Beginners!
Shimura Teppei (Fujigaya Taisuke) grew up watching his policeman father who would ride side-by-side in marathons because he was a motorcycle cop, and dreamt of being a marathon runner as a child. But Teppei’s father lost his job and disappeared. Teppei ruined himself by becoming a well-known delinquent in the area. Under the influence of his childhood friend, Yuichi, Teppei chose to become a policeman after graduating from high school. He miraculously passed the recruitment exam and entered the police academy. However, he has been assigned to a “class of reserves” (Goriki Ayame, Koyanagi Yu, Okamoto Azusa, Mizusawa Erina, Ishii Tomoya, Mori Ren) which is a gathering of odds and ends. There are eight of them and each day they are only instructed by the assistant teacher, Ryuzaki Misaki, to sweep the academy grounds … …
Insights
Plot Summary
A struggling theater actor, Haruno, is trying to make a comeback after a past failure. He is offered a role in a new play by a former mentor. However, as he dives into rehearsals, he finds himself entangled in a complex web of past regrets, unspoken desires, and the elusive nature of happiness. The play's themes begin to mirror his own life, forcing him to confront his insecurities and re-evaluate his relationships.
Critical Reception
'Beginners!' received a mixed to positive reception from critics and audiences, often praised for its thoughtful exploration of personal growth and its ensemble cast. However, some found the narrative pacing to be uneven at times.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its sensitive portrayal of mid-life reflection and the search for meaning.
- The performances, particularly by the lead actors, were frequently highlighted as a strong point.
- Some critics noted that the film's philosophical underpinnings could occasionally lead to a sense of melodrama.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's emotional depth and relatable themes of regret and self-discovery. Many found the story to be moving and thought-provoking, though a segment of viewers felt the plot could have been tighter.
Fun Fact
The film is a remake of the 2010 South Korean film 'Late Autumn', though it significantly alters the plot and setting to suit a Japanese context.
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