
Movie spotlight
Smile
A former yakuza, Joji made trouble on the street and was fired from the Family. Arriving at a manzai (Japanese stand-up comedy) training institute, he meets Midori, an ex-idol whom everyone admires. Yet Midori never smiles and she gradually becomes isolated. Joji offers to make a duo with her. She says to him, "I have already smiled and laughed for life..." Can these comedians succeed on stage as professionals?
Insights
Plot Summary
A successful children's book author, George, finds his life unraveling when he is diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease that causes him to lose his memory and sense of self. As his condition worsens, he struggles to maintain his relationships and his identity, relying on his wife and friends to help him navigate his rapidly changing reality. The film explores themes of identity, memory, and the fragility of the human mind.
Critical Reception
Smile received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its sensitive portrayal of a difficult subject and the performances of its lead actors, others found the film to be slow-paced and lacking in emotional depth. Audiences were similarly divided, with some connecting with the film's poignant exploration of loss, while others felt it was too bleak.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its mature handling of themes surrounding memory loss and identity.
Criticized for its deliberate pacing and occasionally melodramatic tone.
David Boreanaz's performance as the ailing author was a standout for many reviewers.
Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's emotional depth and the lead actor's performance, finding it to be a moving, albeit somber, viewing experience. Some viewers, however, felt the plot was somewhat predictable and the ending lacked impact.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be a television pilot before being developed into a feature film.
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