I entered this film the old fashioned discreet way. TC is an unexpected delight. I could not stop grinning or laughing the entire time. All I knew about it was the favorable rating, which I read just before it began. Hideki Saito is a corporate finance guy in Tokyo who is a mastermind at transforming fading companies. We see him efficiently buy out a chocolatier at the very beginning. His cost cutting solution proves to really hinder the product, a payoff that we will see twice much later in the film. He decides to take his talents to Montana and resurrect a failing cattle ranch. What can go wrong? It's a laugh a minute comedy, so a lot. He's been in a seven year relationship with fiancee Keiko, who's also his boss. She warns him to deliver or risk getting fired. No pressure. His luggage never arrived and things get much worse from there. There's wacky banter with perky hotel receptionist Cindy. He declines a four wheel drive rental car; it's $17 a day extra. This is a very poor decision. Consultant Wada, a ranching genius who flew over with him, prefers getting plastered with the locals and gets himself a long hospital stay in the bargain. He butts heads with ranch manager Peg, herself a spinster. The audience concludes a lot faster than him that his wacky plan is destined for failure. He does help ranch hand Javier, a failed rodeo star, who has an illicit sideline business on the property. Due to car trouble, he is grudgingly invited to a Quinceanera. There, he reflects upon his own relationship and makes an effort to improve it. Two hours fly by. I was absolutely entranced by the film's beautiful cinematography, to say nothing of the dialogue and performances. The theater was mostly empty, but our hearts were full by the time the credits rolled.
Arata Iura is absolutely wonderful as fish out of water Hideki. His adventures never got stale or old; his persistence is remarkable. Goya Robles is tremendously convincing as Javier, striving for a better life. Robin Weigert is maybe a bit too urban for Meg, but she's hilarious. She reads NY all the way. Jun Kunimura is laugh out loud funny as wily Wada. Ayako Fujitani, a cowriter, is really perfect as Keiko, down to her short efficient hairdo. Scout Smith is a revelation as Cindy. Most people will miss this film, both in theaters and streaming. Ah reckon that right there would be a mighty shame.
