Yassadaru Man

I may be a tad biased having followed Sudo Maasa-chan since her days as a kid in Hello Project and Berryz Koubo, but rejoice, for I have evaluated the film based on storyline, theme and actor performances.

The movie is set in Hiroshima, so if you think their Japanese sounds a little different from what you're probably used to, that's why!

For starters, the movie starts off a bit slow. The actor performances (hopefully) keep you interested.

Without getting into too many details, the male lead is someone who slacks off and needs to be reminded why he's doing what he does, and for whom. This movie would really resonate with people who are aspiring to get into a career which isn't the norm. Even otherwise, you're in for a good show.

The female lead, Sudo Maasa-chan, with all her beauty and grace really lightens up the stage.

The theme is rather simple and innocent, and one we're likely familiar with, but something society needs reminded, repeatedly.

Storyline: 8/10 Theme: 9/10 Acting: 9/10

Before talking specifically about this film, there are a few things I should mention. First, the correct title for this movie is "Yassa Daruman"....but IMDB lists it as "Yassadaru Man". Second, the mascot in this film, Daruman, was NOT created for this film but existed before the film was made. In fact, he was voted best mascot for Hiroshima prefecture a few years ago.

Hazime is a loser whose job it is to wear the Daruman costume and represent his city. But he has absolutely no energy or desire to do anything with this character and so, naturally, the public couldn't care less about him. But when a cute young lady comes to work with Hazime, he slowly gathers up the energy to do something with the character and his life. But it's not like he jumps into this project....he just kind of slowly falls into enthusiasm for his job.

The film is likable but I really wanted to like it more. First, the story, believe it or not, is a but formulaic and even includes a long montage sequence here Hazime slowly changes. Frankly, SHOWING the change through the course of the story would have been less lazy. Also, the film's ending leaves you feeling like they just ran out of steam and it left me feeling a bit flat. Not a bad film but one that had promise to be much more.