BarbaraB-2

There are some fine moments in this nicely photographed Japanese movie about a young girl with AIDS who faces discrimination from the residents of her hometown. But the story is predictable and derivative -- we've seen it all before. The only thing different here is the locale, and even that isn't exploited enough to make this film stand out. And, although the film maker's heart is in the right place, it verges on a preachiness that is a bit heavy-handed.

I should have stopped watching after the first 15 minutes. Instead, I wasted two precious hours of my life on this drivel. Gaping plot holes, explanations that make no sense whatsoever, and even a stupid blooper (be sure to watch the glass door shatter BEFORE the can hits it). The surest sign that they KNEW they had a turkey on their hands is the fact that they were desperate enough to put a scene with full frontal female nudity in it -- and believe me, it wasn't going to be enough to titillate even the most hormone-charged adolescent male.

This is far more than the charming story of middle-aged man discovering the pleasures of ballroom dancing (although it IS that as well). It's the tale of one person learning to love life again, pushing past all the pressures of work and money to discover joy once more. The bonus in this film is a fascinating insight into the slowly changing attitudes of modern Japan toward everything from ballroom dancing to physical contact. There are scenes that will make you laugh out loud ... a few where you'll want to get up and tango ... and many others where you'll just feel good.

This is a great introduction to contemporary Japanese filmmaking for those who might be under the impression that all Japanese movies are "heavy" and inaccessible.