Shiawase no kiiroi hankachi (1977)

Shiawase no kiiroi hankachi: Directed by Yôji Yamada. With Ken Takakura, Chieko Baishô, Kaori Momoi, Tetsuya Takeda. Three complete strangers embark on a road-trip to Hokkaido.

“This is a film about three people who are very lonely for different reasons and find themselves all on the way to Hokkaido. What seemed like a very odd trio and a very odd premise became a wonderful film about hope, forgiveness and belonging. Extra points are given for the film being set in Hokkaido and not Tokyo, it gives the film much mire meaning and authenticity. Actually, Hokkaido itself is a co-star of this film, as you see it rolling along out the car window. The acting is superb and the film is a major crowd pleaser. Director Yamada Yojiu0026#39;s films are kind of hit and miss to me (Iu0026#39;ve only seen a few Tora-san films) but this one really kept me interested and, along the way, I cared about each character more. Watch this, its a feel good film about life.”