Sure, the title might have caught the "wrong" type of attention, but it is a very tasteful coming of age movie. I was doubtful at the beginning, since I was looking at Arase-san's cinematographic history.. but still gave it a try without knowing much about it.
In the end, it is very "Stand by Me" (1986), which I believe was a very popular movie at the time in Japan (influencing even Pokémon creators, who made a reference at the beginning of the player's journey).
Very touching and lighthearted and with a beautiful message, all wrapped in a teenage-centric-world-view. There is little Volleyball (I'm a sucker for sport competition movies/series), but you can tell from the few scenes that actual players were involved in choreohrapgy.
Still, even if it is delightful in it's averageness, it is nothing to praise beyond the basic sentimentality and message (as well as the proper deliverance of it). The old style, colors and atmosphere it gives is indeed VERY 80s, which was also impressive. Watch it if interested, you might like it!!
Still, even if it is delightful in it's averageness, it is nothing to praise beyond the basic sentimentality and message (as well as the proper deliverance of it). The old style, colors and atmosphere it gives is indeed VERY 80s, which was also impressive. Watch it if interested, you might like it!!