The Harimaya Bridge

It has a beautiful story which slowly captured my attention. I had never felt the Japanese were friendly towards Americans, especially after hearing stories form uncles who fought the Japanese in WWII. In this story Mickey a young American finds a world where he is accepted and loved as he teaches art to his students.

After Mickey's death his father, who acts rudely to the very accepting Japanese, arrives in Japan to acquire the belongings of his son only to find more than he was prepared to find.

The actors were exceptional, with a small part for Danny Glover! Hard to believe that this movie hasn't gotten more Awards/recognition!

"The Harimaya Bridge" is an exceptionally well-conceived, impeccably written and brilliantly directed piece of cinematic excellence.

At the core, "The Harimaya Bridge" is about choices, impact and love.

There are many things to appreciate (and learn from) about this film; from the directing, to the cinematography, to the writing.

Writer-director-producer Aaron Woolfolk's direction and keen eye for dialogue reminds me of John Sayles' masterpiece "Lonestar."

"The Harimaya Bridge" is incredibly smart and sharply-written with just the proper amount of precision required without being superfluous.

Mr. Woolfolk has also produced a picture-perfect and stellar cast.

What's witnessed, is a birds-eye view of everyday people, in everyday life, and how they cope with its travels and travails.

Like a fine piece of Egyptian fabric, Mr. Woolfolk has carefully interwoven the story lines at a steady pace that kept me extremely interested - so much so that when it was over, I wanted more.

Any student of writing, directing or producing will appreciate this film and, like myself, will use it as a guideline and blueprint for what future directors (and writers) should (and need) to aspire to.

Warm, Engaging, Educational and just plain Fantastic! I saw The Harimaya Bridge at the Sacramento Japanese Film Festival in 2011. All I can say is 'WOW'! I am an African-American male, veteran who now lives in Japan so this movie answered a lot of questions for me. It also helped prepare me for my new life in Japan.

I immediately started sharing it with every veteran I know, because of its rich content.

Director Aaron Woolfolk hit a home-run with The Harimaya Bridge.

I think the thing that sticks out about this film for me is Mr. Woolfolk's international spirit. The Harimaya Bridge was filmed in Japan and the United States. Mr. Woolfolk was able to build bridges between two countries, make a film that deals with very sensitive topics for both countries and do it all with grace.

Great job Mr. Woolfolk. I am looking forward to your future films!

As our daughter has moved to Japan, married a Japanese man, and are now a family with two of our four grandchildren, we feel very connected to Japan, and this very beautiful and touching movie indeed serves as a bridge between America and Japan . It feels very much like a well executed Japanese film.

The only reason I give it 9 stars rather than 10, is that even two years after Mickey's death, Daniel awkwardly insists that he is entitled to all of his son's artwork, even though most of it had already been gifted to close friends and associates (his widow inherited the remaining pieces). That just doesn't sit right with me - I could understand maybe requesting a couple of the inherited pieces.

I really enjoyed this film. It's the feature debut of Aaron Woolfolk. I'd seen one of his shorts before about a train station in Japan. But it's clear he has more to say!

The great Danny Glover gives an excellent performance in a supporting role, but it's Bennet Guillory who shines as a stubborn father who has to come to terms with his estranged son (played by Victor Grant). I was less familiar with the Japanese actors but now want to see more of them including Saki Takaoaka who is a big deal in Japan.

The film is beautifully shot with stunning cinematography. You really feel like you're in rural Japan (and San Francisco where parts of the film also take place). Check it out on Netflix, DVD or Bluray.