HAPPYEND was the first film in the first 10 screened for the press at NYFF where everyone was joyfully happy with the film. It was, in the words of several writer, the first truly good film. As I write this I've seen 15 films from the festival and it's one of 5 I would recommend.
The film follows five friends in high school in Japan. They love hanging out, each other, playing pranks and music. As their last days of school wind down everyone is worried about earthquakes, government intrusion in their lives and the new security system installed in the school.
While the film has serious undertones such as the growing oppression of government (literally the Japanese government and figuratively the school) as well as racism and xenophobia, the film is most certainly happy. Its a celebration of the joys of having friends. While there are ups and downs there are no artificial tragedies, just life moving along.
I was delighted.
This is a film full of life and joy and love. It's like hanging out with your best friends. Yes it is very bittersweet, the film brings up to high school graduation and everyone's paths are headed in other directions, but they are still upright and still friends.
When the film was over there was some discussion about why other New York festivals like New York Asian or Japan Cuts didn't grab it and the conclusion was whomever saw it from NYFF wasn't stupid enough to let it go.
This is a magical film that will make you feel good.
See it ASAP
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