A film that seems to try hard for relevancy and misses by a country mile. It fails to "click" for a number of reasons including: relying on not especially likeable characters the audience can relate to (marginal acting and poor direction); a blur of mini plots mixed together like a pot of recycled TV episodes (some of which are hard to swallow); a weak, rambling script (the Director is also credited as a co-writer); it is stretched out with padded scenes and superfluous scenes of eating (lots of eating); and a pace that is super slow (undisciplined editing). All in all, an unimaginative, soporific, and ultimately disappointing movie. Cinematography is by the book and undistinguishable; scene lighting seems okay. Music is nondescript especially what passes for rock from the distant pass. Subtitles often lack accuracy (the translator needs to revisit the meaning of "itadakimasu" among other things) and can be overly busy. Not recommended. Viewed at a JICC Virtual J-film event. WILLIAM FLANIGAN.
Plot summary
Haruko is a single mother. She has an unusual living arrangement. She lives with her son Riku, her friend Aiko and Aiko's boyfriend Sorao. One day, Yuko stays at Haruko's house to attend an art institute for the summer. Yuko is the daughter of Haruko's old friend Tomoyo. They haven't spoken for many years prior to Tomoyo reaching out to Haruko to ask if her daughter could stay with her for the summer. Haruko and Tomoyo have an uncomfortable past.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB 962.23 MB
1280*714
Japanese 2.0
NR