Before the Sunset movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Before the Sunset

This dramatic fantasy releases on September 29, 2023 in theaters in the US, ahead of its digital and on-demand release via Freestyle Media.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 59 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: C+

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about a man known as the “God of Management” who built a successful business and earned the respect of society, but after retirement, finds himself alone and lonely in a nursing home. He prays for a secret wish to be young again.

The film was directed by Hiroshi Akabane, and written by Ryuho Okawa, who also served as Executive Producer.

THINGS I LIKED:

The color palette really makes everything look like a dream.
I had never seen any of the Japanese actors before. It’s always fun to discover actors in foreign films. The main actors are Hiroaki Tanaka, Masane Tsukayama, Rikako Miura, Mirai Irako, and Syouzou Uesugi.
I’m not super old yet, but I often think about what I would do differently if I could go back in time.
On a personal note, I’ve been to Japan and fell in love with the gentle nature of the people there. They were so kind, gracious, and respectful to my family while we were in their country. Now, I know that hasn’t always been the case; as a nation, Japan has committed terrible atrocities in the past, but I saw great humility in the people when I was there. When I was on the airplane, sitting on the tarmac, ready to go home, all of the grounds crew bowed to the passengers on the plane, as if to say, “Thank you for visiting our land.” So sweet.
I love traveling to a different country in movies. It was fun to see the different types of food the characters ate in this film. For example, one of the young university students ordered fried tofu and French fries for his meal in a restaurant.
The lyrics of the songs are perfectly tied to what’s happening on the screen.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

I recognize that some people don’t like to read subtitles in order to watch foreign films. If that’s true for you, you won’t want to watch this.
At the beginning of the movie, it’s sad that he only thinks young people can enjoy sunsets and other beautiful things.
The dialogue is very slow and robotic; however, I recognize that could be the result of translation.
The pacing is also very slow.
There is a lot of arguing in the movie.
The rules of the wish seem cruel.
American women will think it’s ridiculous for a young woman to put her life on hold for 10 years, waiting for her crush to propose.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be very bored.
People drink a lot of alcohol.

THEMES:

Happiness
Life choices and consequences
Family relationships
Healing from a broken heart
The many things we can learn from soccer
The courage to live with no regrets
Confidence
Finding your talents and dreams.

FUNNY LINES:

There is no humor in the film.

INTERESTING LINES:

“Don’t underestimate the power of a 20-year-old!” – Asuka (Rikako Miura)
“Live for unconditional love.” – voice Kazunori Terasaw hears when he magically goes back in time (God)
“Living in show business is like gambling with my life.” – Kazunori Terasaw (Hiroaki Tanaka)
“Even if I redo my life, I’m the same person.” – Asuka’s grandfather
“In entertainment, popularity determines your business.” – Asuka’s father

OTHER MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

A MUCH better time-loop movie with the same themes is one of my all-time favorites: Groundhog Day: https://amzn.to/3rpG0xG
About Time: https://amzn.to/3t1wuBl