Shimizu explores the finiteness of time, yet gets you to recognize both the joy and sadness of it. Time manifests itself in a few different ways. You have the backdrop of soldier Nanmura on a short leave from the Pacific War, varied characters staying at the resort for the time being, the inevitably of Emi's uncertain future hanging over her, and the spa gradually emptying out as the occupants depart throughout the film. Nanmura's injury from the titular hairpin is the clear emotional core. Being the MacGuffin which holds Nanmura and Emi together, its presence also proves finite. With each day Nanmura's condition improves and with each trial he completes, one can feel each minute of his time at the spa running out since there's nowhere for him to go but forward. In less talented hands, this film could've just been a tragedy, but I was surprised as to how much humor and lightness Shimizu brought to the film. We have the adults keeping each other awake with their snoring, a professor constantly seeking a masseur, the children cheering Nanmura on throughout his trials, and the newfound love and family Emi finds through Nanmura and several characters. There's no telling what the future may bring, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself in the present. I also find it interesting how the entire main conflict is set off by something so insignificant - a single hairpin left on the ground. It creates a sense of escalation and makes the thematic richness all the more noteworthy given how slight the film should've otherwise been. Phenomenal ending, by the way. Overall, this was far more interesting than it had the right to be and more people should check it out.
