What makes it different from others?

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Your blood may run cold, but you now find yourself pinioned to the story.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

As the title, get this film on DVD its amazingly powerful. what a breath of fresh air, instead of the run of the mill rubbish that comes out from America!! Great acting and story!I cannot speak Japanese but the subtitles do not detract at all from the film.You may need to watch it a couple of times to get the plot line as it goes back and forth.This should of been released in the UK although I looked for it but never found it in shops.I went to Japan on holiday and specifically looked for this DVD based on the cover, when I get an eye for a movie I'm usually right that I would like it.

A beautiful, beautiful movie. Haunting....and got me crying (and I don't cry easily!) It haunted me for days after watching it on cable TV, and even writing this comment made my eyes a little moist. This charming movie is made credible by the performances of the two young actors. I loved them and I loved the movie! What made it even more endearing was that there was no love scenes, no sex, no giggling teenage girls, etc. Nothing like those Hollywood or HK type teen romance. Watch it with an open mind and an open heart, and be prepared to feel... BTW, I just fell in love with the character Aki. If I ever had a love in my teens, it would be her....

My Japanese teacher gave me this film out of the blue one day. She often does it, and as I put it in my DVD player i didn't know what it was about. the only thing i knew was its title and this it starred Shibasaki Kou (my favourite since her work in Battle Royale and One Missed Call). My lack of expectations really enhanced the film. I had no idea where it was going, and as such it was all the more shocking to me when it all began to come together. The film is filled to the brim with gripping emotional moments. THe scene on the island, the piano in the gym scene, the wedding photo, the airport and the final scene in Australia (woohoo go Australia *does a little dance*) are all tear inducing (at least for me) I can unabashadly say i wept like a baby for much of this film. And not just little tears, hardcore streaming nose running tears. With the occasional audible sob in it as well. My only gripe is that it was quite long, but u become so engrossed in the story that you don't even realize. The acting is fantastic. THe actors for young Saku and Aki are mind-blowing in their portrayal of the younger lovers. Elder Saku (sadly do not know his name) and Ritsuko (Shibasaki Kou)get less screen time, but in their final moments of the film u get to see both of them and their fantastic skills. Particularly shibasaki. early int he film, she has a moment where she stares for what seems like eternity, and without moving at all begins to cry. It is gut-wrenching film Highly recommended to everyone. EVERYONE.

As a rule, I avoid romance tales and this one was nearly no exception. I didn't see it in the theaters when it was out last year, even though friends recommended it. Just by chance, I rented the DVD. It is available in Japan with English subtitles. Now, after several days, I can't stop thinking about it.Sakutaro is a man in his mid-thirties about to marry Ritsuko, a woman in her late twenties. While getting ready to move, Ritsuko encounters an old audio cassette tape she forgot she had. Though she knew what the tape was, she had never heard it. After locating a store that still sells audio cassette players, she listens to it for the first time. It takes her on a pilgrimage to her (and Sakutaro's) childhood home town. She leaves a message telling him that she's going away for a while.By chance, Sakutaro learns where Ritsuko went and he goes there. He finds himself on a pilgrimage of his own.I can't proceed much further, but it can be said that this is not a frivolous love story. I deals with the permanence of love in a most touching and original way. I really hope this film finds its way out of Japan. I gave this movie an eight out of ten.