Also Known As: Setouchi Shonen Yakyu Dan Released in: 1984 Length: 115 minutes Warning: Rated PG: adult themes; brief profanity; mild sexual themes Language: Japanese (with English subtitles) Categories: Best Buddies, Boy Films, Little to Preteen, Coming-of-Age, Drama, First Love, Girl Films, Little to Preteen, Girl Films, Adolescent

$39.99

Description

Following its surrender to American, Japan had a number of adjustments to go through. This film shows how its kids coped with just this. Focusing on a fifth grade class in a small fishing village, subjects such as censorship and vengeance are addressed. Yet, the main question is "Can the group of preteens maintain its identity as the U.S.A. 'invasion' attempts to alter its concept of what it means to be Japanese?" A significant subplot involves the fifth grade teacher; believing her husband killed in the war, the woman's brother in-law desires to do more than just court her, which is against the widow's wishes. Seen mostly through the eyes of one of the boys (Takaya Yamauchi), we also watch a touching story unfold that includes the detrimental rebellion of one of the lead's friends and the tragedy of his first love affair with a female peer (Shiori Sakura). Both funny and sad; highly praised. Based on the book by Yu Aku as well as director Masahiro Shinoda's childhood memories. You must be a preferred member to rent this video.

Notes

Although the subtitles are good, they are white and are sometimes a little difficult to see on bright backgrounds

Cast & Crew

Takaya Yamauchi

Yoshiyuki Omori

Shiori Sakura

Hiromi Go

Juzo Itami

Masako Natsume

Shima Iwashita