The Great Passage
The Great Passage

TV Show spotlight

The Great Passage

2016
TV Show
Ended
2 Seasons
Japanese

The publication of a new dictionary titled The Great Passage progresses. Mitsuya Majime, originally from publisher Genbu Shobo's sales department, has been recruited by Kouhei Araki, a veteran editor of the dictionary department who is looking to retire soon. The dictionary department is known internally as the "money-eating insect," but Mitsuya uses his perseverance and attachment to the words in order to become a great editor. Mitsuya, who has poor social skills, finds himself working with another man named Masashi Nishioka, who is able to express himself better.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic74/100
Google Users94%
Director: Yuuya IshiiGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Majime Majime, a dedicated but socially awkward editor, is tasked with creating a new Japanese-English dictionary called 'The Great Passage'. He works alongside a team of linguists and lexicographers, including the charming Mitsuya, and finds inspiration and romance with Kaguya, a culinary student who works in the same publishing house. As they delve into the nuances of language, Majime confronts his own insecurities and learns the profound power of words to connect people.

Critical Reception

The Great Passage was widely praised by critics for its heartfelt portrayal of dedication to craft and the power of language. Audiences were also moved by its gentle pacing and the compelling development of its characters, particularly the protagonist's journey of self-discovery.

What Reviewers Say

  • A beautifully crafted and deeply moving film about the passion and meticulous work involved in creating a dictionary.

  • Praised for its sensitive direction, strong performances, and poignant exploration of language and human connection.

  • Seen as an ode to the power of words and the quiet dedication required to preserve and transmit them.

Google audience: Google users lauded the film's touching story, its focus on a unique and often overlooked subject (lexicography), and the touching character development, especially that of the protagonist. Many found it to be an inspiring and heartwarming cinematic experience.

Awards & Accolades

Won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Sound Recording at the 37th Japan Academy Film Prize.

Fun Fact

The creation of the dictionary 'The Great Passage' depicted in the film was inspired by the real-life development of the Sanseido's 'The New Concise Japanese-English Dictionary', which took over a decade to complete.

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