South of the
Border, West of the Sun
Have you ever had a love unfulfilled during your growing
years?
Hajime grows up in the years after the great war in Japan, an only
child, rare in those days. His only friend then was Shimamoto, who
was also an only child. They spend their time together, usually at
her house, listening to records.
The beginnings of a love which they could not understand start from
such times.
But he moved away and they lost touch.
In his high school years, he meets another girl but his
faithlessness damages her permanently. Racked with this burden, he
drifts around after he leaves school for a decade, aimless, without
a dream, without direction.
He meets and marries Yukiko and life slowly turns, now in his
thirties, a loving wife, a successful business running 2 Jazz Clubs
and 2 daughters, life seems wonderful.
Then Shimamoto walks into his bar.
Emotions surpressed come to the fore with a vengence. And his very
sense of self is brought into question.
A bittersweet, yet tender look at the emotional state of a man
reaching middle age. Very recommended 4 1/2 out of 5.