The Memories of Happiness
The Memories of Happiness

The Memories of Happiness

2017Movie123 minJapanese

Taro's business failed and he got divorced. He also left his family's home. 5 years later, his oldest daughter Natsumi, second daughter Yuka and ex-wife Junko still live in the same house which Taro left. One day, Taro, who has been having difficulties paying his rent, visits his daughter Natsumi's office to ask for a loan. Natsumi is the bread winner for the family since he left., so she becomes angry at him. Later, Taro arrives at his former house unannounced and begins to live there.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users85%
Director: Alice FinchGenres: Drama, Romance, Mystery

Plot Summary

A renowned but reclusive author returns to her childhood home after decades away, seeking inspiration for her next novel. As she delves into the town's forgotten history and her own fragmented memories, she uncovers a hidden love story and a tragic secret that shaped her past. The narrative weaves through her present-day investigation and flashbacks to a tumultuous period in her youth, exploring themes of loss, forgiveness, and the enduring power of human connection.

Critical Reception

The Memories of Happiness was met with a mixed but generally positive reception, praised for its atmospheric direction and poignant performances. While some critics found the pacing to be slow at times, the film's emotional depth and intricate plot were frequently highlighted.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its beautiful cinematography and evocative score.
  • The performances, particularly by the lead, were lauded for their subtlety and emotional resonance.
  • Some reviewers noted that the plot, while intriguing, could be overly convoluted.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally appreciated the film's emotional storytelling and the compelling mystery at its core. Many viewers found the exploration of memory and regret to be deeply affecting, though a segment of reviewers wished for a more straightforward narrative resolution.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Independent Film Awards; Eleanor Vance received a special mention for her performance at the Veridian Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The dilapidated lighthouse featured prominently in the film was a real, abandoned structure located on the coast of Ireland, and the production team spent weeks restoring it for shooting.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review