Call Me Chihiro

American movies about free spirits were popular a half-century ago when they starred the likes of Goldie Hawn and Sissy Spacek as braless hippies. Based on a popular manga series, this episodic 2023 Japanese drama (called "Call Me Chihiro" in English) picks up the concept of a modern-day free spirit by centering on a former sex worker who decides to work at a seaside bento stand. She doesn't hide anything about her past and in fact, shares her unsolicited opinions to the people who become attached to her. Most of her focus is on a young alienated schoolgirl and an obstreperous little boy being raised by a selfish mother. Leisurely directed by Rikiya Imaizumi, the film starts on a comic note as Chihiro's previous occupation makes her popular with the guys who hang around the bento stand, but then the story turns more melancholic as we get to know the characters around Chihiro. Inspiring them to lead better lives, Kasumi Arimura is affecting as Chihiro, and despite an overlong running time, the movie manages to hit all the right emotional notes.