At first, this film looks like an ordinary story of a doctor in a village, but it is quite different.

The police detectives are not smart, but through their investigation, audiences gradually figure out the depth of the issue behind the incident. Being caught up in the story, you understand what issue is really asked, and you will be confused between false and truth, good and sin, runaround and confession, and what is allowed and what is not.

The structure of the plot is well made. But I would like to know more about the background, like why the man became a doctor.

Performances are generally good. I was particularly impressed by Yo Kimiko. She makes a uniquely nuanced performance, like she did at 'Okuribito'. The nurse has a key role in this film, which Yo did very well.

Well acted meandering film has won a boat load of awards around the world. I wouldn't argue with any of the acting or technical awards, but those for best picture completely elude me. (More so since some things I've read on it compare it to the infinitely better Departures or All Around Us) The plot has a town thrown into a tizzy when the well loved and well respected doctor in a mostly geriatric village in Japan goes missing. Questions are raised as the doctor's background isn't all that one would hope.

Those expecting a dark mystery should get that notion out of your mind right now. Yes there is a mystery, but it's more a question of the how well do we know the people around us. The film is actually a drama that raises some pointed questions about how we see the people in our lives, how we portray ourselves to others and what is the best thing for us.

This is not a bad film, not by a long shot, and while I would whole heartedly call the film very good, I wouldn't really call it great. The problem for me is the rambling and back and forth nature of the film. Told in flashback this is a film that is takes it time getting to where its going and when it gets there the revelations aren't all that amazing. Personally I would have liked less back and forth and more straight forward story (especially when the film finally settles down on some of the characters) Yes the film does produce a well deserved tear and smile at the end, but I wanted to be thumped in the chest and I wasn't.

Basically I wanted to love this film not just like it.

Definitely worth your time, just don't expect of an earth shaking experience