Hanagatami (2017)

"Hanagatami," a vibrant cinematic masterpiece by Director Nobuhiko Obayashi, draws its essence from Kazuo Dan's poignant 1937 novella. Known for his classic surreal odyssey 'House (Hausu)', Obayashi brings to life a forty-year-old filmmaking dream in this captivating feature. At the heart of the story is Toshihiko, a sixteen-year-old boy who leaves the familiar streets of Amsterdam in the spring of 1941. He journeys to the quaint coastal town of Karatsu in Japan, under the care of his aunt Keiko. His cousin Mina, frail and ailing, shares their home. Toshihiko soon finds himself entranced by the enchanting allure of the seaside, its rich nature, and vibrant culture. However, it's the town's uniquely spirited adolescents that truly capture Toshihiko's interest. Together, they navigate the tumultuous terrain of their youth, as the ominous shadow of war looms over them, relentlessly pulling them into its brutal vortex. Obayashi, himself a survivor of the horrors of World War II, revisits the crucial year of 1941, a time when Japan stood on the precipice of irreversible change. The burgeoning war, like a monstrous tidal wave, swept away the nation's youth, leaving empty homes and broken dreams in its wake. In the signature dazzling style of Obayashi, 'Hanagatami' paints a vivid tableau of the last, fervor-filled days of youth teetering on the edge of a country aflame with war. It's a poignant exploration of passion, innocence, and the struggle of young hearts against the consuming blaze of conflict.

Hanagatami is a drama movie featuring Toshie Negishi and directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi.

Hanagatami is currently streaming on AsianCrush, Fandor, Fandor Amazon Channel and OVID.

It is also possible to buy Hanagatami on Amazon Video.