Always san-chôme no yûhi

ALWAYS SAN CHOME NO YUHA is a warm-hearted, good intentioned story of Japan after the world war as a group of characters deal with the wonders and disappointments of the day. A young girl (Maki Horikita in one of her most winning roles) is good at bicycle repairs, but it seems she's been hired to fix autos; a struggling writer finds himself saddled with having to raise of orphaned boy who has few expectations or dreams; a bar hostess saddled with debts has an uncertain future;; and a doctor is haunted by memories from before the war, when his family was still alive.

The children in the story seem to be the focus of the screenplay, a real-life symbol of the future Japan.

The movie almost seems to glow from within, giving a feeling of optimism and warmth in spite of the small crises that appear from time to time. The film can feel a bit slick as the plot moves from one set-up to the next - but it's also carefully written and quite artfully composed. In the background, we periodically see vistas a Tokyo Tower being built in the background - a symbol for the growth of a new Japan- and its this hardy spirit of survival that animates the story.

I had the chance to see this film because a friend brought the DVD back from Japan. Otherwise I don't think I would ever have had the opportunity to watch it.

The cover of the DVD says "Over 270 million people have cried" over this film. I don't doubt that for a moment. This movie is funny, serious, sweet, suspenseful, hilarious and totally satisfying.

The special effects are beautifully rendered and reminded me of what Steven Spielberg might have done if he were making this film. The setting of Tokyo in 1958 is seamlessly recreated, as characters in this film are placed into footage of a 1950's Japanese film.

I would love to know how they did this, and I'm going to research it. As soon as I find out I'll update this post.

Everything about this film is romantic. Don't miss it.

Beautiful, simple and fantastic movie about everyday difficulties and joys. Saw it twice and wept as much the second time. Although over two hours long there was never a second of boredom. Extra cred for making Tokyo in 1958 so realistic, still without skyscrapers and metros! Characters was very well chosen. Even the kids are real professionals here!

The main plot is about two stories waved together skillfully. A young "has-been" novelist meets a young boy who was abandoned and is been forced to take him in for the time being. A girl from the countryside takes a job in the big city, Tokyo, at what she thinks is a big automobile company (Suzuki auto). But nothing is what it seems! It's about love beyond family ties, but never the less easy.

This film has won so many awards and it deserves every single one of them. Set in Tokyo in 1958 at the time of the construction of the Tokyo Tower, the story depicts a few families in that neighborhood and the things they go through. It has both comic turns and, once in a while, sad references. It is also overtly sentimental at times, but the emotional power of the film never wanes, and it is just a feel great film. The acting is excellent. There are real glimpses into the meaning of family, love and caring, and just generally sharing your time together. If you think you are going to watch this film and promise yourself you will not be sucked in by its sentiment, you are missing the point. Its supposed to make you laugh and cry. Although Tokyo has demonstrably changed since 1958 (I went there in May 2008, you wouldn't be able to find traces of this existence), this is a period film which just works wonderfully. It was so successful, a sequel was done. I'm going to watch that, since, based on this film alone, I want to see what happens to these characters from here. That is how great the film is, that one film alone is not good enough to let these characters go. Simply a triumph that deserves all the success it has achieved.

The emotions I had while watching the movie warmed me up. Even though ordinary events happened, it was very nice that the movie told about it. I'm very excited about the manga and other movies in the serie. it was a great movie with its acting and artistry.