Yoru no pikunikku

This is a feel-good coming-of-age story, where the strenuous walk strips students of their outer shell and makes them come out with their secrets. The end result is a little uneven - at times great, other times sloppy. There is an impressive long take at the beginning gradually revealing the entire student body on an open field. But some scenes don't achieve the desired emotional effect due to the amateur cinematography, which is odd considering the aforementioned impressive shot. It's as if the film was shot by different people.

As often in Japanese movies, there are a number of eccentric characters, from the rock-n-roll guy who is miserable during the day but comes alive at night, to the brothers with moose masks. These provided comic relief and memorable characters.

It's a simple movie we can all relate to on some level. The comedy helps maintain the light mood, while the mysteries keep you intrigued. Recommended.

The film follows the students at a Japanese high school as they participate in a yearly ritual--a grueling marathon walk lasting a full day and night. Most of the story is revealed as the students plod on through the beautiful Japanese countryside, interspersed with brief flashbacks and some dream and animation sequences.

The film focuses on the relationship between a boy and a girl who are strongly attracted to each other, but for some reason (at first seeming to be extreme shyness), the two maintain a somber and glowering distance. Their friends sense the palpable chemistry between the two and try to break down the barrier that separates them. But gradually, the film intimates and then finally reveals a surprising secret . . .

Gently and subtly, the film illuminates its young characters. There is the usual high-school mix, a few whiners, a few clowns, a femme fatale, a rocker misfit, and so on. But by and large, these are really good kids who care about each other.

The trek itself is a journey from the schoolyard to an uncertain tomorrow. The friends and relationships secured along the way are what make it become so special. You will smile a lot, but bring Kleenex.