User Reviews

Nakashima's debut feature is a simple, charming and welcoming coming of age story. Aside from the always spot-on photography, a certain artistic flair and a slightly comically off atmosphere nothing here suggested that Nakashima would become a master of style, that it's a thoroughly impressive debut obviously marking the beginning of a great artist is on the other hand quite clear.

I particularly loved the Ozu-esque focus and depiction of children and seemingly unimportant school tasks. The children having to redo a certain gymnastic work-out after school until they got it right, focusing on repetition after repetition added both emotion, soul and humor. And yes, this is a charmingly funny film, done in a semi-minimalistic way about a young boy growing up, experiencing his family and school situation, while being a tad too focused on tits. In fact, the first line is "I love big tits".

And though that might rub you the wrong way, it's actually quite cute in it's way. He narrates through his child eyes, and a lot is actually very heart warming, sometimes even poignant. I felt that the flashbacks to his mother as a child and her dealing with her mother's illness was, however well done, a bit of a digression which too a very small degree fit into the rest of the film, but aside from this is was a great experience. I hope more people take the time to check this little film out. It's just 73 minutes. 8/10.

"Happy-Go-Lucky" is one of my favourite films from the 1998 Toronto Film Festival. I still can't believe it hasn't been released in North America yet.

The film is centered around a young boy and his dysfunctional family. From his slutty sister, to his father who is never around, to his mother who has to bare with it all. The boy is also a kind of misfit in school. He is one of five students in the class who can't do a simple exercise in gym class and are forced to practise for days to get it right. The film is filled with beautiful imagery and ponders the questions of life many young children ask themselves. Like why do people who get constantly bullied, bully others when they get the chance?

The movie is also a love story between the boy and a girl who has to go through the grueling practices after school with him. There are moments in this film that are simply unforgettable and really make you think afterwards. I really can't tell you in words how remarkable this movie is.

"Happy-Go-Lucky" is an amazing achievement and a touching story that will stay with me forever. So, if you ever hear this movie is playing near you, go out of your way to watch it.