The Yellow Handkerchief

This is a film about three people who are very lonely for different reasons and find themselves all on the way to Hokkaido. What seemed like a very odd trio and a very odd premise became a wonderful film about hope, forgiveness and belonging. Extra points are given for the film being set in Hokkaido and not Tokyo, it gives the film much mire meaning and authenticity. Actually, Hokkaido itself is a co-star of this film, as you see it rolling along out the car window. The acting is superb and the film is a major crowd pleaser. Director Yamada Yoji's films are kind of hit and miss to me (I've only seen a few Tora-san films) but this one really kept me interested and, along the way, I cared about each character more. Watch this, its a feel good film about life.

You could describe it as a gritty, "thinking man's Tora-san" (in fact it shares a script-writer and some of the same cast as the early Tora-san films). Funny in many places but not a comedy; more like a slice-of-reality, on-the-road film in which three strangers are thrown together and romantic love triumphs in the end. Not an art film by any means, but great in its own way.

One of those hilarious, tear-jerkers from the famed director-Yamada Yoji of the Tora-san fame. The three main actors--Takakura Ken, Takeda Tetsuya, and Momoi Kaori, with an appearance from Baisho Chieko-- give an outstanding performance. The storyline is reminiscent of Tony Orlando's song "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree". One of my favorite movies of all time.

The Yellow Handkerchief : A Japanese masterpiece of 1977. One of the best 'Road' movies. Three strangers riding in a car and wander here and there with no purpose. When they start to know each other, situation turns and unknowingly bonded relationship amongst them won't allow them to separate from each other but it has to end somewhere. Brilliant acting from all the three characters and great cinematography of Japan countryside. You can watch Ken Takakura in a sensitive role after playing villain in The Bullet Train.

The plot is a simple one but the characterizations and travel episodes fill the movie out. When the travelers near their destination, the film shows an affection for small towns as we look out the car window and see the old buildings and the residents passing by. I was surprised to hear a performance of the song "Can-Can Musume" which I haven't heard for over 50 years.