Watashi wa hikari o nigitte iru

Mio, 20 years old orphan girl, was sent to Tokyo by her aunt, after her granny was hospitalized. She was sent to her father's friend who ran a public bath, with the hope she would be independent in a short time after that.

This movie was never try to sugarcoat anything. From an uncare aunt, a drunk father's friend, unsympathetic work colleagues, sugar daddy to a peeking grandpa, it was a reality that us, as the audience were tried hard to swallow, as a reality even after we left theater. This movie was downwards depressing, so be prepared for it.

MIO ON THE SHORE (2019) Mio, an introvert young woman (Honoka Matsumoto) moves from the countryside to Tokyo to start a new life there. She stays with a friend of her father (Ken Mitsuishi) who runs a public bath in an old district and soon becomes involved in the local community... A very lovely little film about change, both willingly and unwillingly. There's Mio who completely changes her life as her family cannot look after her anymore and has a hard time dealing with her new situation. Slowly she adapts to her new surrounding and experiences failures and small victories. As for her surrounding there's even bigger change as the whole district is threatened by eviction which affects not only her but the whole community.

It may very well be, that this is at least based on a true story as there's also a documentary involved in the plot and several shop owners seems to be non-actors. It felt very truthful anyway and there's something magical for me watching those small Japanese communities where people meet, talk or just hang out together.

Plus Ken Mitsuishi running a small business has to be its own genre now! I mean, MEGANE, NATSUMI'S FIREFLY and now this... he's such a lucky charm for any movie! And he rightfully (and literally) is the center of the movie's final shot.

Oh, and this has to be one the most beautiful shot movies I've seen in a long time. Stunning!

Review written by artist jayakumar jrain.

Upon initially viewing this film, I found it difficult to keep my attention on it. I typically am not a fan of the slower plotline. However, I did believe it had promise and potential, so I watched it again, piecing it together from the first time and catching what I missed initially. I have now watched this film a total of 4 times, and I can honestly say it brings me to tears by the end.

Mio on the Shore is a film that grows on you through its smaller details. The scores are beautiful with almost nostalgic tones. The reality of the film itself is captivating, there are no fancy or over the top scenes or settings. You are simply watching the day-to-day life of normal people. And in that way, the film is relatable and heartfelt.

The highlight of the film is the poetic script. For the most part, the main character is a quiet, reserved young woman, using her silence to both observe and make a stand. Which, in itself is beautiful because without using words you can feel when the main character is feeling lost, excited, or disapproving. I believe there are quotes from this film that will stick with you for life if you allow them to.

Overall, I believe Mio on the Shore is a beautiful film that unfortunately may not get the praise it deserves due to its slow burning plot. However, I do believe that if you give it a chance or two, you will find it to be a heartwarming story of change and growth that is complimented excellently by its soundtrack, scenery, and deeply moving script.

I am usually first in line to defend a slow burner film-- if it does something to differentiate itself. This doesn't do that. The characters are under-developed, the personal relationships minimalist, and it has a "drop to black" ending that will leave many in the audience sitting with their jaws open and disappointed.

I am a big fan of the Russian film "Stalker"... and that is about as slow-burning and thought-challenging as a film gets. I am a big fan of Asian films, especially dramas that really make the characters shine. Sadly, there's nothing here that really impresses, and nothing that would make me want to watch it a second time (which is my real test of a film).

I enjoyed the film... until it flopped. Perhaps the director thought the sudden-stop ending was cute and cerebral; I found it disappointing and a let-down for the entire film.

This movie was absolutely beautiful. I loved Mio, her character is so unique and i could find myself relating to her a lot. The Cinematography is really aesthetically pleasing! The vibes of the movie is quite sad but there were so many beautiful moments were i definitely did cry. I really recommand it since i think many people would relate to this movie since it definitely hits reality hard.