Rating: Not Rated
Movie Release Date: September 23, 2006 (Japan) / July 13, 2007
DVD Release Date: November 6, 2007
Plot 411: When the local coal mine plans to lay off 2,000 workers in a small town in northern Japan, some residents decide to establish a new enterprise against tremendous odds.
Review: A sleepy coal mining town is rocked when the mine announces that it needs to lay off its workers in order to survive. Many of the workers have been mining for over 30 years and know nothing else. A new enterprise, the Joban Hawaiian Center, is suggested but meets mounting disapproval from the residents. Despite opposition, several girls volunteer (even against their families' wishes), and an esteemed dancer (Yasuko Matsuyuki) from Tokyo is brought to teach them to dance hula and other Polynesian dances. The teacher is consumed with her own personal problems, including arrogance and self-pity. She clashes with the townsfolk and her students with her city views. This movie was based on true events that occured in Iwaki in 1965. It looked at Japanese values and how they clashed with modernization. It addressed friendship, honor, filial piety, sacrifice and many other traditional values in an interesting way. There were many touching scenes and the film can completely sweep you up in the drama. You will whole-heartedly cheer for the girls as they struggle against society to find themselves. It is so easy to empathize with both sides of the issue and as a viewer you are torn. This is the bittersweet wonder that this film creates for you.
Movie Release Date: September 23, 2006 (Japan) / July 13, 2007
DVD Release Date: November 6, 2007
Plot 411: When the local coal mine plans to lay off 2,000 workers in a small town in northern Japan, some residents decide to establish a new enterprise against tremendous odds.
Review: A sleepy coal mining town is rocked when the mine announces that it needs to lay off its workers in order to survive. Many of the workers have been mining for over 30 years and know nothing else. A new enterprise, the Joban Hawaiian Center, is suggested but meets mounting disapproval from the residents. Despite opposition, several girls volunteer (even against their families' wishes), and an esteemed dancer (Yasuko Matsuyuki) from Tokyo is brought to teach them to dance hula and other Polynesian dances. The teacher is consumed with her own personal problems, including arrogance and self-pity. She clashes with the townsfolk and her students with her city views. This movie was based on true events that occured in Iwaki in 1965. It looked at Japanese values and how they clashed with modernization. It addressed friendship, honor, filial piety, sacrifice and many other traditional values in an interesting way. There were many touching scenes and the film can completely sweep you up in the drama. You will whole-heartedly cheer for the girls as they struggle against society to find themselves. It is so easy to empathize with both sides of the issue and as a viewer you are torn. This is the bittersweet wonder that this film creates for you.
Watch It: For a movie not so much about hula dancing but about what can be accomplished when you are truly dedicated and driven.
Skip It: And really miss out on a truly great movie.
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