From the organizer: Tokyo. Keiko, a single mom, moves in a new tiny flat with her twelve-year old Akira. the landlord, however doesn’t know about Keiko’s three other young kids : Kyoko, Shigeru and Yuki. one day Keiko takes off with her new boyfriend, leaving Akira alone to take care of his younger sibilings.

Inspired by a true story, Koreeda will follow the four kids in their desperate situation trying to hold still and keep the family together, though abandoned by all parents. the documentary style, the pertinent use of close shots, are all part of a precise mise en scene to make us feel the children’s point of view.

in this drama, Koreeda questions the limit of one’s pursuit of happiness. Keiko, the mother, is portrayed as an exaggerated version of japanese women, obsessed with her own happiness. however, the critique is not so much addressed to the individual person, but rather towards the society that allows it, yet turns a blind eye on it.
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director: Hirokazu Koreeda
released: 2004
duration: 141 mn
IMDB rating: 8,1/10
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