I’ve seen countless Japanese films, but discovering something as wonderful as this truly brightened my day. It has quickly become one of my favorites because it's such an inspiring story, adapted from a book that itself was based on the author’s real experiences. Even though the film tackles a serious subject, the narrative is told with a great deal of lightness and enjoyment. A significant story doesn’t have to be slow, dull, or overly artistic; this one felt like a commercial movie with an excellent score, yet it still managed to convey its message effectively. I'm regretting that I only just discovered this film, which is a couple of years old now. It’s not what some might consider a typical romantic comedy. Everyone should see it, especially students and their parents together. The movie delivers an important message about the value of education, while also exploring issues related to parenting, teaching methods, and the influence of friends. Not everyone is naturally gifted in academics, but with proper support and guidance, that ability can be developed—that’s the film's central idea, presented beautifully on screen. Sayaka was born into an average family; her father always wanted her older brother to become a professional baseball player. Consequently, her mother took care of Sayaka and her younger sister during their childhood. Frequent school changes meant she struggled to make friends, but eventually did so—a development that ultimately jeopardized her education. Facing the end of high school and college entrance exams, she felt like she hadn’t learned anything useful. Teachers and her father doubted her future prospects, which motivated her to prove them wrong. With her mother's unwavering support, she took on a life-changing challenge. > -xX] If you call a student a loser, they believe it. They lose confidence. [Xx- The film is full of inspiring lines and I think it would be beneficial if it were shown in schools. Beyond the education aspect, the movie also highlights failures in parenting—not outright abandonment, but a situation where parents are divided in their approach to their children, perhaps due to shared interests or projecting their own unfulfilled dreams onto them. A child’s behavior is shaped by both family and society, so it's essential to have good parents and teachers, along with supportive friends. The music was exceptional; I think the soundtrack is worth buying because it helped maintain a good pace throughout the film. Besides being colorful and entertaining, it also evokes strong emotions. While that might seem somewhat deliberate, it felt natural within the context of Japanese culture as I’ve come to understand it through films. A surprising element was the depiction of domestic violence, which isn't common in Japanese cinema, at least not in what I've seen. Educational systems differ around the world, but the effort and hard work required remain the same—no pain, no gain. Success requires facing challenges with a positive attitude. The basic storyline is fairly familiar, even though the film itself is well-crafted. The writing, direction, and music are all excellent, as is the acting. The runtime is just under two hours, which felt perfectly acceptable for this kind of story. To achieve a cinematic feel, some realism was sacrificed, but it’s important to remember that the film is based on a true story that has been adapted into a two-hour format. The young actress who played the lead role won a Japanese Academy Award. It's an underrated film given its important message. I’m recommending it not just because I love Japanese films; it’s truly something everyone should see! _9.5/10_

Source on TMDB