Yume no kichi

I watched this when it was released as one of the entries in the 6th Indie's Movie Festival in Tokyo and I was completely blown away. I will be sorely disappointed if Masayuki Tatsumi's work doesn't win some kind of award, and even more disappointed if this is the last film he directs.

Normally, I can't stand films that make street punks and gang members their protagonists. It's almost impossible for me to empathize with them unless the script pits them against even more unlikable characters. Yume no Kichi started off the same way, but by the last scene, I really cared about them. Both lead actors deserve special mention, as do the supporting cast members.

The script is very well written, with believable character development and a plot that is plausible, interesting and well thought out.

In all respects, this film stands head and shoulders above the standard fare of the Festival, and I look forward to seeing the future efforts of everyone involved.