Watches
April 23, 2024
A pretty cool surprise, this one. It almost felt like discovering a lost Iwai film (or an early Yukisada). There's a sweetness and playfulness here that is reminiscent of Iwai's mix of drama and romance. The only thing lacking is that little bit of extra refinement, but there are some superbly lovable and memorable moments scattered throughout.
Hanabi is a respected musician who is enjoying some time away from his fame. One day a mysterious young girl stands in front of his door, introducing herself as Hibana. Hanabi isn't too taken with her presence at first, but she's an insistent girl, and the two form a strong bond over the course of the summer.
The setting is lovely, the music is nice, the characters are intriguing and the pacing is the right kind of slow. Add a little dance/ballet scene at the end and it's obvious why this references Iwai. This is one of Shinohara's better films and an easy recommend for fans of Japanese romance.