Review: Bunny Drop at the 16th Japanese Film Festival
Since its start in 1997 showing only three films, The Japanese Film Festival has expanded steadily, attracting a larger audience with each year. In its 16th year The Japanese Film Festival brings the largest lineup ever to eight major cities in Australia, featuring a huge 45 films in total. “Through this festival, I hope Australians are provided with new perspectives that deepen their understanding of what people are doing and thinking in the dynamic nation of Japan”, explains the director of The Japan Foundation Sydney, which presents the screenings. One of those movies is Bunny Drop.
What would you do if you discovered at your grandfather’s funeral that he not only had an unknown lover, but also a six-year-old child nobody wants to look after? Probably not what 27-year-old Daikichi (Kenichi Matsuyama) does! Overcome by a sudden compassion towards the lovely but silent girl, Rin (Mana Ashida), he takes her to live with him. This spontaneous decision turns both of their lives upside-down.
Bunny Drop is a heartwarming film that shows how important it can be to break free from everything familiar. Sometimes we are so driven by our aims that we fail to realise what we really live for. Daikichi’s courage and good heart are rewarded; he finally achieves happiness with making this fresh start – although his way there is full of challenges.
The movie also deals with mutual responsibility: not only does Daikichi look after Rin, but she in return takes care of him. Rin is very independent and well aware of her needs and is adept at handling their problems. Sometimes an adult can be saved by a child and not only the other way round.
The unlikely pair: 27-year-old Daikichi (Kenichi Matsuyama) and six-year-old Rin (Mana Ashida)
Both main actors breathe life into this extraordinary story. Kenichi Matsuyama’s overdone expressions are hilarious and tempt the audience with laugher. There is also certain seriousness in their act. Their performance is very touching, which also might be a reason for Mana Ashida being honoured as Best New Artist at the 54th Blue Ribbon Awards and Kenichi Matsuyama as the Best Actor at 24th Nikkan Sports Film Awards.
Although the world has probably seen one hundred films with a similar theme and plot, this hundred and first movie is worth the way to the cinema. You just have to love this unlikely pair, struggling to get used to life alongside each other.
If you misses Bunny Drop during the screening in Sydney, it will be shown in Melbourne on the 8thof December. There are also some other amazing films waiting for you. The theme of The Japanese Film Festival this year is Totally Sweet – do not try to resist this exotic temptation!
Watch the Japanese Trailer of Bunny Drop HERE.
If you want to find out more about The Japanese Film Festival click HERE.