Simple film but very beautiful. Like no big dramatic moments but the emotions are there - all so subtle. I love their connection to each other, despite the past and how they found a new love for their father through the youngest sister.

Plus the setting..it's like a Japanese province tourism ad- the tunnel cherry blossoms. Their house actually reminded me of Totoro and how they just ate at the porch, so much nature.

I prefer much more Still walking and After the storm, the women actors didn't really work for me, kind of childish most of the movie, also missing more conflict (their mother was there for short time and besides that not much conflict really, married boyfriend, Suzu good girl not rebelling at all, zero issues with her...). If I would want children then I prefer I wish. Like father like son was also moving all, so for me this is his 2nd weakest movie I have seen after Air doll which was really bad.

It's actually the only Koreeda film which has disappointed me somewhat. It was okay, but rather unengaging, and I never felt we got to know more than a couple of the sisters beyond surface level.

He is one of my favourite working filmmakers so I will certainly watch this again some day and give it a second chance.

@rudely_murray said:

It's actually the only Koreeda film which has disappointed me somewhat. It was okay, but rather unengaging, and I never felt we got to know more than a couple of the sisters beyond surface level.

He is one of my favourite working filmmakers so I will certainly watch this again some day and give it a second chance.

Can you recommend some other movies/directors who do similar subtle family dramas? I really like Koreeda's style.