Hirokazu Koreeda’s 2011 film “I Wish” tells the story of two brothers whose lives change when their parents separate. Each of the boys go to live with one of the parents in different cities. One of the boys has the idea that if he can go watch the crossing of two new Bullet Trains coming to town he can make a wish for his family to get back together. It’s a very simple and quiet film full of natural performances and natural observations. It’s a coming of age story. It’s an ending of age story. It’s a quest story. The adult character storylines (parents and grandparents) are searching just as much, if not more, than the kids. Ultimately it’s about acceptance. Another good one from Koreeda.
Open Life Up 