From left is the captivating Nakayama Koyuki as Hiromi, Yoshioka Hidetaka as Chagawa with son Junnosuke plaed by Kenta Suga)

Written by

Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

“No matter what anyone says I know you. All I want is to see you. My heart yearns for nothing else…” these are only a few of novelist’s words for Hiromi Shizaki or Betty a dancer in a burlesque show. The nobility of holding on to one’s dream in the face of adversity is at the core of this memorable tale. Set in postwar Japan the whole country is trying to rebuild their lives. Poverty is everywhere; rich men find themselves trying to survive. A must see for families and for kids of all ages. Love and generosity is shown in the midst of economic difficulties.

Entitled, “Always Sunset on Third Street 2” the masterpiece by Takashi Yamazaki is part of the Eiga Sai Japanese Film fest in Shang-rila Plaza Cineplex that runs from July 1 -11, 2010. Audiences can also catch anime films on the silver screen for free. You can find many different titles from different genres to suit your taste, “Always Sunset…” is undoubtedly the best of the batch.

Ryunosuke Chagawa (Yoshioka Hidetaka) is a struggling novelist with a 10 year old son Junnosuke (Kenta Suga) who is both intelligent and caring. His father in-law Mr. Kawabuchi (Fumiyo Kohinata) who is well off insists on taking care of Junno since Chagawa is unable to provide the proper education the child needs. A wad of cash is thrown in front of him ‘to make things easier’. The desperate writer screams “Some things are more precious than money.” Chagawa begs to prove himself once more by writing his ultimate novel to qualify for the Akutagawa Literary Prize. Winning it would provide both acclaim and a 100,000 Yen cash prize that would set them on easy street.

The actor who plays the father in law Fumiyo Kohinata, also plays a tough judge in another film in Eiga Sai, “I Just Didn’t Do it.”

Nakayama Koyuki as Hiromi or Betty

Chagawa lives across Norifumi Suzuki (Shinichi Tsutsumi ) who runs a relatively successful auto shop. Norifumi is a Homer Simpson like character and is the comic relief of the story. He is however a very strong willed and protective father and is the one Chagawa runs to for help. Norifumi also eggs Chagawa on to pursue the love of his life Hiromi who stars as Betty in a burlesque show. Although she is truly captivating attracting may suitors, she manages to stay true to her love for Chagawa. Hiromi is played by Nakayama Koyuki, who starred in Edard Zwick’s  “Last Samurai”. She was the Samurai’s wife who nurses Tom Cruise from the brink of death. She has the delicate features that will definitely inspire any writer.

All child actors in this film are scene stealers. Kozuki Koshinimizu plays Ippei a precocious 6 year old who is obsessed with visiting the Tokyo Tower. He comes at odds with Mika (Ayame Koika) a taller girl who has comes to live with their family. Mika is a spoiled brat who is forced to grow up while her father looks for a job. Juno is an especially touching character, as a child he would do anything to keep his family together and stay with his father.

bridge in Tokyo is similar to MacArthur Bridge in Sta. Cruz

Tokyo is not the megalopolis it is today. Producers have been able to recreate the Tokyo of old. An important bridge in the storyline is similar to Mac Arthur Bridge in Sta. Cruz, Manila. Ippei catches cicadas in nearby trees which were torn down for development later in the film. Pompadour and pomade were the hairstyles for young men of the era. Polka dots were the rage for dresses.

There were a number of romances in the film which includes Roku a young employee of the Suzuki’s and Takeo. Often audiences also find themselves laughing with the antics of Ippei and his father. There’s comedy, drama and romance, most of all it has lessons that stay with you long after watching it. One of them is encapsulated in a line said by Norifumi, “Family is a wonderful thing.”