Allusion
We see footage of survivors after the Hiroshima bombing from newsreel footage. In particular, we see the land completely leveled. It is a symbol of the destruction of our choices and how they effect the entire landscape of our lives.
Sleeping Killed
We see Lui sleeping in bed as Elle looks upon him in the morning. We then see his fingers twitch and the scene cuts to Elle with a soldier who is dying. This is a symbol that World War II and the loss it has inflicted upon Elle still exists vividly within her.
Peace Park
We see Peace Park in Hiroshima--a Memorial to the memory of the people killed and affected by the nuclear bomb dropped on August 6, 1945. This is a symbol of the memories of such destruction and how they will be held on to for generations to come for Elle and Lui.
Covered
Elle and Lui's bodies can be seen covered in the opening scene with what seems like ash, glitter, and sweat. This is a symbol that relates their relationship to the bombing of Hiroshima as it foreshadows this relationship though hot in the throws of passion is no more than ash.
Apartment
Elle begins to go into the apartment, but has a hard time doing so. Delaying until she forces herself in. This is a symbol that the apartment has become so full of memories she cannot easily go back in. The place carries a new weight to her.
