

While searching for his fiancee Ritsuko, Sakutarou rediscovers through flashbacks the void deep within him caused by the events from his high school days.
Acting
Masami Nagasawa's luminous, heartbreaking debut
Score
Radwimps' music becomes its own character
Cinematography
Hokkaido snow as emotional void and comfort

Director
Isao Yukisada
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This film sparked a massive 'pure love' boom in Japanese cinema, with audiences flocking to theaters with handkerchiefs in hand — it became socially acceptable public crying.
The Australian desert scenes were actually filmed in China due to budget constraints, and Masami Nagasawa was only 16 during filming — her performance convinced the nation she was the next big star.
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