Saw this film on an aeroplane coming back from Japan. I fancied something fun and a bit mindless, and I saw a Japanese girl across the aisle from me watching it and decided it absolutely fitted the bill. It did: a simple but lovely story about a group of high school students who get their school wind band together in the face of indifference from upper-management. In saw it back to back with 'ReLife', an incredibly similar film in many ways in what I assume is an expansive genre of Japanese films set in High Schools, and probably aimed at people (like me) of that age. But that doesn't prevent this film from being enjoyable, and quite touching.

A very nice story. I came to know about brass band and understand their hardship and passion a little better and developed respect. You might also relate with your passion and club activities. Back in my college days, I was really enthusiastic about our computer club and made dynamic changes and also overcome hardship in contest. So it's a bit nostalgic. It's a feel good drama about friendship and the power of music. Cinematography is great. It's not really romantic but a hint of blossoming romance is even nicer.

I like japanese high school movies and I like movies with a musical theme and there are a few good ones that blend those two things together, but this one here unfortunately failed to keep me interested. The main girl is a pretty cute, feisty one. But the story about her putting the defunct brass band back together just isn't very captivating. There is a little subplot about a troubled boy from her class, but the movie doesn't really draw you in emotionally. It just kind of drags on. The romance part is very weak too, almost a side show. I watched it in two sittings, because I got bored, so take that for what it's worth.