​FILMS

our little sister

2015 review number 137:

Our Little Sister: (Drama): 75 out of 100: Sweet, gentle and occasionally moving. This Japanese language film is enchanting and delightful, although the leisurely pacing might not please audiences in a hurry. Those who have siblings will appreciate the nuances that are delivered by the four sisters. Even if you don't have siblings, the characterisations should ensure that you become emotionally engaged with them.

 

The three sisters living together, Sachi (Haruka Ayase), Yoshino (Masami Nagasawa) and Chika (Kaho) are in their twenties and attend their father's funeral. Their father left them for another woman. Their daughter is 13 year old Suzu (Suzu Hirose). The three sisters ask their half sister to live with them in a seaside town. The three sisters' mother also left them as she felt she let them down by having her husband leave the family. The situation becomes more complicated when their mother returns, having not seen her daughters for a number of years.

 

The film is based on the manga series Umimachi Diary by Akimi Yoshida. There isn't a complication as such until about halfway through the movie. Even then, the complication isn't disastrous or life-changing. This is more a story of how sisters interact with each other. Those who enjoy fine character development would be more engrossed in this film than those who desire cause and effect in their plots.

 

There are beautiful shots of the Japanese scenery, including the renowned cherry blossom trees. They're not just lingering shots however, as the character interactions take place with the scenery in the background. What I find more annoying is how a director will focus on inanimate objects for a 30 second shot which thankfully doesn't occur here. Hirokazu Koreeda directs with restraint and allow his actors to express their emotions without resorting too much into melodrama. All four leads perform with distinction and they are ably supported by the support cast.

 

The visual beauty is enhanced by a lush music score which promotes the gentle nature of the film. The score isn't saccharin sweet as it could have so easily been, playing over the top of the exchange of dialogue. Most of the music occurs when the characters are moving within the scene, and therefore less intrusive.

 

Our Little Sister is filled with many beautiful moments that make you want to visit Japan and spend some time with a Japanese family. If you haven't seen a Japanese movie before, it is a solid introduction to the Japanese culture, traditions, scenery, food and family life.

 

Starring Haruka Ayase, Masami Nagasawa, Kaho and Suzu Hirose

(127 minutes)

Parental advice: Adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, during the credits the four sisters are walking along a beach

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5IxUYfVs6A (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Monday 21st September, 2015)

 

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