The Blue Bird (2008)

The Blue Bird (2008)

Release Date: 29 November 2008 (Japan)
Quality: DVDRip
Language: Japanese
Runtime: 105 min
Director: Kenji Nakanishi
Company: Bandai Visual Company
Movie Info: IMDb
Cast: Hiroshi Abe, Kanata Hongô, Ayumi Ito, Hajime Inoue, Osamu Shigematu, Hiroyuki Kishi, Shûta Aoki, Moe Arai, Yûko Araki, Nao Ishizaki, Hiroto Itô, Moe Karasawa
Genre: Drama
Watch: Trailer
Size: 819MB

Plot: It possesses a very worthy message, but The Bluebird's execution is so measured and manufactured that it doesn't completely ring true. Kenji Nakanishi makes his directorial debut with this well-meaning drama based on a novel by Kiyoshi Shigematsu. One semester later, the students at Higashigaoka Junior High are coming to grips with the attempted suicide of Noguchi, a male student who has since changed schools. In the aftermath of his suicide attempt, the students in his former class have reflected on the incident through counseling. As a further measure of healing, the school creates submission boxes called "Bluebird Boxes", where students are meant to voice their anonymous concerns and questions. The entire school seems determined to put the dark event behind them.

But Mr. Murauchi (Hiroshi Abe) won't let them. Their new substitute teacher, Murauchi arrives at the school with an extended "star" entrance, as director Nakanishi makes sure not to show Hiroshi Abe's face during the film's opening minutes. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, Murauchi raises his head, allowing his face to be glimpsed, and he finally speaks - and he stutters. His students initially laugh, but Murauchi's issues with communication make him a much more understanding human being. He gravely tells the students that he may not speak eloquently, but he does speak earnestly. And, earnest words should be received earnestly by the listener.

However, what Murauchi proceeds to do seems less earnest than it does quietly inflammatory. Murauchi's first action as teacher is to retrieve Noguchi's desk and restore it to the classroom. Each day, he greets Noguchi as if he's still in the class - which disturbs the students, and then causes the faculty and the parents to buzz with concern. After doing this for some weeks, one would think that Murauchi would be up for some serious disciplinary action, but the faculty largely lets him be, only holding the occasional meeting to obliquely register their disapproval. Meanwhile, Murauchi receives minor support from fellow teacher Ms. Shimazaki (Ayumi Ito), who launches into spontaneous speeches offering both encouragement and exposition. ~lovehkfilm~