Hokkaido’s Sorachi region is famed across Japan for its exquisite grape wines. In this picturesque locale, the younger brother, Midori (played by Sometani Shota), tends to the wheat fields left behind after their father’s passing. Their elder brother, Seiichi (played by Ōizumi Yo), who has returned from Tokyo, missed seeing their father for the last time, and the emotional rift between them remains unresolved. Having chased his musical dreams in Tokyo, he now finds himself back home, caring for the family’s vineyard and learning to make wine. He insists on cultivating Pinot Noir grapes—known as “black diamonds”—yet the wine he produces falls short of his expectations. One day, Erika (played by Andō Yuko), a cheerful woman traveling in a camper van, arrives in town. Her easygoing nature quickly endears her to the locals and brings a breath of fresh air to the bachelor lives of the brothers. More importantly, her mysterious background helps uncover the secret to successfully brewing fine wine.
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The Tears of Grapes stars Ōizumi Yo, Andō Yuko, and Sometani Shota. (Image provided by Tempus Art)
Grapevines endure the cold winter, greet the warm spring, absorb melted snow, and then the droplets that fall from their tips. In life, we inevitably shed tears of sorrow—but perhaps they are the dewdrops before the arrival of happiness. Let the mellow wine and warm tears nourish the hearts of moviegoers.
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The Tears of Grapes showcases a life philosophy of harmonious coexistence with nature and the land. (Image provided by Tempus Art)
The film’s protagonists include popular Hokkaido-born actor and entertainer Ōizumi Yo, singer-songwriter Andō Yuko making her official acting debut, and rising star Sometani Shota, known for his roles in multiple box-office hits. The cast is further enriched by distinctive performances from Takiguchi Tomorowo, Maeno Tomoya, Lily, Kitarō, Ōsugi Ren, Kyōko Enami, and others. The carefully brewed wine from Hokkaido’s soil and the region’s colorful local cuisine also take center stage in the film.
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The Tears of Grapes features entertaining interactions between Ōizumi Yo and Sometani Shota, highlighting the beauty of Hokkaido’s farming life. (Image provided by Tempus Art)
From the same production team behind the independently released yet box-office successful Japanese and Taiwanese film Kamisama no Bread (Bread of Happiness), director and screenwriter Miike YukiKO helms this film. She not only crafted an original compelling script but also led the team in shooting entirely on location in Hokkaido, capturing the beauty of the four seasons and creating a one-of-a-kind world of happiness.
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The stunning vineyard landscapes of Hokkaido are beautifully displayed in The Tears of Grapes. (Image provided by Tempus Art)
From the same production team behind the independently released yet box-office successful Japanese and Taiwanese film Kamisama no Bread (Bread of Happiness), director and screenwriter Miike YukiKO helms this film. She not only crafted an original compelling script but also led the team in shooting entirely on location in Hokkaido, capturing the beauty of the four seasons and creating a one-of-a-kind world of happiness. Born in Osaka, she was named after author Yukio Mishima because her father admired him. She started going to the cinema at age four, discovered her passion for theater in high school, and during university worked as an elevator operator to fund her own 8mm short film titled Dream Something. After graduation, she joined NHK and has since focused on directing documentaries centered around street life and human stories, often drawing inspiration from real-life incidents and portraying ordinary people facing sudden life changes, emotional pain, and healing.
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The Chinese poster for The Tears of Grapes. (Image provided by Tempus Art)
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