Always San-Choume No Yuuhi
05 December 2007
Wow... just wow, is all I can say. Spent the last two hours watching 'Always San-Choume No Yuuhi'. If ever something could be called truly beautiful then this film would surely be it. You would have to have a heart of stone and the darkest of souls to not be moved by the storyline. The ending in particular is perhaps the purest and most magnificent closing to a film I've ever seen. The framing is so perfect and the colours just fit so well. A truly exquisite piece of film making. The story centres around a small neighbourhood in post-war Tokyo. In the background there is the construction of Tokyo Tower which symbolises the hopes of the people for a brighter future. During this time there is an influx of people from all parts of the country hoping to find a better life in Tokyo. Amongst them is Hoshino Mutsuko (played by Horikita Maki) who comes to serve as an apprentice at Suzuki Auto. Things aren't quite as grand as she'd hope though, as she discovers that Suzuki Auto is simply a small auto repair shop as opposed to a large automotive company. However, after a massive argument over a small misunderstanding, she begins to enjoy her time at Suzuki Auto. She soon becomes part of the family and experiences all the new delights of the era, such as a black-and-white television and refrigerator. This is probably my favourite story arc within the film (I'm a bit biased though /laugh).
Also within the story is the amateur novelist, Chagawa Ryunosuke, who gets coerced into looking after a young boy whose mother has abandoned him. At first their relationship is strained but after finding out the boy idolises the stories he writes, Ryunosuke slowly grows to like him, even treating him like his own son eventually. There's also the doctor who is regarded as a demon by all who are on the receiving end of one of his injections, but is in fact a kind and caring person who lost a lot during the war. All the minor characters contribute to the feeling of a community trying its best to rebuild. The feeling of nostalgia throughout is strong and makes you yearn for years gone by. There are many light-hearted moments throughout that prevent the film from ever being too heavy and dark. Though that's not to say there aren't some moments that'll have you reaching for the tissues to dry your eyes with. It's certainly very sad in places. By the end, however, it all works out for the best - just how happy endings are meant to be.
I would urge anyone and everyone to watch this film. Nostalgia always makes you feel as though everything was better back then, but I do believe that we could learn a thing or two from the people who lived in those times. I also believe there's a sequel to the film which was released in November. I'm going to have to try and get a hold of it. It would bring me great pleasure to be reunited with the residents of San-Choume once again.
Posted byHocchan at 6:06 am
