The Summer of Stickleback
The Summer of Stickleback

Movie spotlight

The Summer of Stickleback

2006
Movie
99 min
Japanese

Set in Kyoto, 1990. Mizuho Oshima is a high school girl who hates her alcoholic mom, adores her father, and has a crush on school swim team member Sho Sugimoto. Her father lives with another women, but Mizuho hopes to reunite her family. Her mother then takes up with an Amerian soldier named Charlie and they become an item. This crushes Mizuho's hopes of reuniting her family. Mizuho then seduces her mother's lover ...

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users85%
Director: Daniel W. RosenthalGenres: Drama, Family

Plot Summary

In the summer of 1976, a young boy named Billy grapples with the absence of his father, who is serving overseas. As he navigates his turbulent home life and the complexities of adolescence, Billy finds solace and a sense of belonging in an unlikely friendship with a reclusive old man. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery amidst the backdrop of a bygone era.

Critical Reception

The Summer of Stickleback received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who praised its poignant portrayal of childhood innocence and the subtle exploration of family dynamics. While some found the pacing to be a bit slow, many commended the film's nostalgic atmosphere and strong performances, particularly from its young lead.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its heartfelt performances and nostalgic evocation of the 1970s.

  • Acknowledged for its sensitive handling of themes related to family and coming-of-age.

  • Some critics noted a deliberate, slow-burn narrative pace.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's emotional depth and the relatable struggles of its young protagonist. Many found the story to be touching and well-acted, resonating with its themes of growing up and finding connection.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Young Actor at the Young Artist Awards.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive soundtrack features a collection of popular songs from the mid-1970s, carefully selected to enhance the period authenticity.

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