Movie review by Dennis D. McDonald

There’s not much of a story here nor is there much action. A first year college student in Japan looks back on friends and relationships that evolved from junior high on starting with his life in a small rural town. The story plays out gradually as he remembers incidents involving a male friend of his and a girl transfer student.

None of the three is overly social or outgoing but their personalities are deftly and succinctly drawn over time while the sometimes subtle and sometimes odd aspects of their relationships evolve.

This was Studio Ghibli’s first made for TV movie. In some ways that shows with a minimum of animated crowd scenes. In a few few such scenes the lack of motion of some background figures is obvious. Nevertheless the color, artwork, human figures, and facial expressions are exemplary and at times quite beautiful.

The best feature of the movie are the three main characters. Awkwardness, guile, humor, sadness, anger, and puzzlement are all patiently exposed, often at a leisurely pace. The film concentrate more on feelings and character than on bold story plot lines or action. There are no supernatural or sci-fi elements here, just young people making their way to adulthood. It’s all very recognizable and human. Highly recommended.

Review copyright (c) 2022 by Dennis D. McDonald

Films dealing with “adolescence”