Saido kâ ni inu

...pretty good small film. Never mind in what type of family you belong, growing is such a different animal and the way you construct your life depends on the relation with people that at some point leaved a mark in your life. Here we have a somewhat cold young woman that lives like nothing is so important, just only "lives". The last frame of the last scene is what this film is all about and leaves me in sadness. but life goes on...

I saw this film at New York's Asian Film Festival this year and the emcee even called it a "chick flick", but one you should like. He was right, it is a pretty terrific one. It centers on the relationship between Yoko, who is about in her mid twenties and ten year old Kaoru, a quiet girl who needs someone to notice her. Yoko is the girlfriend of Kaoru's dad after his wife left (let me stop here and explain something that makes the story so much better: The film does not center on the relationship between Yoko and the father-if it did this film would have been terrible, because you wonder why someone Yoko's age would be with a 40ish shady used car dealer. Its never fully explained and it doesn't have to be. Instead its all about Yoko and Kaoru, thank goodness). The two actresses Yuko Takeuchi (Yoko) and Kana Matsumoto (Kaoru) are wonderful. They are both actresses to watch, especially Ms. Takeuchi. Yoko teaches Kaoru things like riding a bike, takes her to the beach and generally takes her under her wing. Yes, thats one of the definitions of a chick flick, and I loved it. Unless you do not like these kinds of films, I would highly recommend it. I really cared for the characters of Yoko and Kaoru and thats about the best endorsement for a film there could be.

The dysfunctional family drama is such an easily forgettable sub-genre that it is certainly a joy when a film like DOG IN A SIDECAR comes along, proving that you can make a thoughtful, entertaining film without insulting the audience's intelligence. Providing a strong foundation of strong acting, skilled direction and intelligent writing, this admittedly small but very rewarding film is excellent viewing, showing the ups and downs of a family in a way that never seems forced or contrived. Hana Matsumoto is extraordinary as 10 year old Kaoru, who suddenly has to get used to a new way of life when her mother walks out on her family. Things seem to get stranger when Yoko (Yuko Takeuchi, who is excellent)turns up on her doorstep, who has become her father's new lover. What could have been a typical family comedy/drama turns into something quite different, as director Kichitaro Negishi concentrates on the small details of Kaoru's new situation, making for a fresh, involving film. As we see Yoko and Kaoru's father's relationship develop, we can also see why Kaoru's mother left in the first place. DOG IN A SIDECAR is a subtle, natural film, and a complete charmer, showing you don't have to use hysterics and melodrama to convincingly portray a family who don't exactly fit the norm.

DOG IN A SIDECAR (2007) A small girl whose mother has left her family befriends the mistress (Yûko Takeuchi) of her father who is full of life... In the end there's nothing utterly profound about the movie or the relationship between the girl and her temporary surrogate mother. It's just a total joy watching those two improving each other's lives by just being together and both actresses are amazing and have really strong chemistry.

Set in the 1980s it also presents a rather atypical Japanese family portrait which reminded a lot of Koreeda's SHOPLIFTERS in terms of spirit.

I'm sad Yûko Takeuchi is no longer with us as she gives such a wonderful performance and feels like a fully fleshed-out character despite not having much of a background given to her and almost coming across as an angel-like figure to look after two kids who were abandoned by their mother.

Apart from some terrible musical choices DOG IN A SIDECAR is one of those Japanese feelgood movies I appreciate so very much.

Review written by artist jayakumar jrain.