TV Show spotlight
Smart-san
Benio Hanamura is a 17-year-old schoolgirl in Tokyo during the Taisho era. Benio lost her mother when she was very young and has been raised by her father, a high-ranking official in the Japanese army. As a result, she has grown into a tomboy—contrary to traditional Japanese notions of femininity, she studies kendo, drinks sake, dresses in often outlandish-looking Western fashions, and isn't as interested in housewife duties as she is in literature. She also rejects the idea of arranged marriages and believes in a woman's right to a career and to marry for love. Benio's best friends are the beautiful Tamaki, who is much more feminine than Benio but equally interested in women's rights, and Ranmaru, a young man who was raised to play female roles in the kabuki theater and as a result has acquired very effeminate mannerisms.
Insights
Plot Summary
A lonely young boy named Tatsuya finds solace and companionship in an imaginary friend named Smart-san, a creature that only he can see. As Tatsuya navigates the challenges of school and family life, his bond with Smart-san deepens. The film explores themes of childhood innocence, the power of imagination, and the struggles of finding one's place in the world.
Critical Reception
Smart-san was a relatively quiet release, largely appreciated for its heartfelt portrayal of childhood imagination and its gentle exploration of a young boy's inner world. While not a major box office success, it gained a cult following among those who connected with its poignant and sensitive storytelling. Critics often praised its sincerity and the performances of its cast, particularly the young lead.
What Reviewers Say
A touching and imaginative story about childhood.
Offers a sensitive look at loneliness and the importance of inner worlds.
Praised for its sincerity and heartfelt performances.
Google audience: Audience reception information for Smart-san is not widely available through Google reviews.
Fun Fact
The film's soundtrack features a memorable score composed by the acclaimed musician, Ryuichi Sakamoto.
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