Following its surrender to American, Japan had a number of adjustments to go through. This film shows how its kids coped with just this. Focusing on a fifth grade class in a small fishing village, subjects such as censorship and vengeance are addressed. Yet, the main question is "Can the group of preteens maintain its identity as the U.S.A. 'invasion' attempts to alter its concept of what it means to be Japanese?" A significant subplot involves the fifth grade teacher; believing her husband killed in the war, the woman's brother in-law desires to do more than just court her, which is against the widow's wishes. Seen mostly through the eyes of one of the boys (Takaya Yamauchi), we also watch a touching story unfold that includes the detrimental rebellion of one of the lead's friends and the tragedy of his first love affair with a female peer (Shiori Sakura). Both funny and sad; highly praised. Based on the book by Yu Aku as well as director Masahiro Shinoda's childhood memories. Note: you must be a preferred member to rent this video.

Warning (rated PG): adult themes; mild sexual themes; brief profanity.

1984; aka Setouchi Shonen Yakyu Dan; in Japanese with English subtitles (Note: although the subtitles are good, they are white and are sometimes a little difficult to see on bright backgrounds); 115 minutes; Takaya Yamauchi, Yoshiyuki Omori, Shiori Sakura, Hiromi Go, Juzo Itami, Masako Natsume, Shima Iwashita.