“Palindromes” / 「おわらない物語 アビバの場合」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 2005, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) H296

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 2005 Japanese release of Palindromes / 「おわらない物語 アビバの場合」, Todd Solondz’s provocative 2004 independent drama.

The Japanese title may be translated as “The Never-Ending Story: Aviva’s Case.” Its whimsical illustrated design deliberately frames the film as a fairy tale, creating a striking contrast with Solondz’s dark examination of childhood, pregnancy, religion, identity, and suburban morality.

Film background

The story follows Aviva Victor, a 13-year-old girl whose overwhelming ambition is to become a mother.

After becoming pregnant, Aviva is pressured by her parents into terminating the pregnancy. Emotionally devastated, she runs away from her New Jersey home and begins a strange, episodic journey through suburban America.

She eventually finds shelter with the Sunshine Family, a devout Christian household whose apparent warmth conceals its own disturbing contradictions. Aviva’s encounters expose competing ideas of innocence, personal freedom, faith, family responsibility, and moral certainty.

In the film’s defining formal experiment, Aviva is portrayed by eight performers of different ages, races, genders, and physical appearances. Her outward identity changes repeatedly, while her emotional needs and central desire remain constant.

The film was written and directed by Todd Solondz, the filmmaker behind Welcome to the Dollhouse and Happiness.

The principal performers include:

Sharon Wilkins
Emmie Lieberman
Hannah Freiman
Rachel Corr
Will Denton
Maya Bond
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Ellen Barkin

The supporting cast includes Stephen Adly Guirgis, Richard Masur, Debra Monk, and Matthew Faber.

The cinematography was by Tom Richmond, with music composed by Nathan Larson.

Palindromes was selected for competition at the 61st Venice International Film Festival, where its unconventional casting and uncompromising subject matter attracted considerable critical attention.

Poster design

This unusual Japanese poster is illustrated in the manner of a traditional children’s storybook or fairy-tale engraving.

At the centre, Aviva—shown in the form portrayed by Sharon Wilkins—walks away from the viewer along a bright woodland path, pulling a small wheeled suitcase behind her.

The surrounding forest is filled with finely drawn trees, wildflowers, mushrooms, birds, a rabbit, and a squirrel. Soft green, yellow, pink, and blue washes give the image an inviting, almost idyllic quality.

The bright path narrows towards a distant opening in the woods, suggesting both escape and uncertainty. Aviva’s solitary figure, however, introduces a note of vulnerability beneath the pastoral surface.

The text beside the path reads:

「世界は愛でいっぱい」

Translated:

“The world is full of love.”

Within the context of the film, the apparently reassuring phrase acquires a distinctly ironic and unsettling quality.

At the top, an ornamental banner reads:

“a film by Todd Solondz”

The Japanese title appears inside an illustrated scroll at lower right:

「おわらない物語
アビバの場合」

The English title:

“PALINDROMES”

appears discreetly along the lower-left edge.

The promotional line across the bottom reads:

「『ウェルカム・ドールハウス』『ハピネス』の鬼才、トッド・ソロンズ待望の最新作！」

Translated:

“The eagerly awaited latest work from Todd Solondz, the singular talent behind Welcome to the Dollhouse and Happiness!”

The lower credits identify the principal cast and filmmakers, together with the film’s Venice selection and Japanese distributor Albatross Film.

The result is a highly distinctive Japanese design whose gentle visual language deliberately conflicts with the film’s morally complex and frequently uncomfortable narrative.

Condition

Very Good+ condition. The poster retains attractive colour, delicate illustrated detail, clear typography, and strong overall display impact.

Reference: H296.

Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 2005 Japanese release campaign, not a reproduction or reprint.

It is now over 20 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.