You are a good child reenacts the power of love

You Are a Good Child (Being Good), adapted from the original novel that won the "28th Jirō Tanizaki Literary Award", features director Kurosawa Mipo—who has received accolades at the Montreal Film Festival and Japan's Kinema Junpo for Best Director—showcasing directing skills that surpass her previous work, leaving all viewers astonished.

Novice teacher Okano takes on the role of homeroom teacher for the fourth grade at Sakuragaoka Elementary School. Though earnest, he is indecisive, facing a class on the verge of chaos, indifferent parents who neglect their children, alcoholic guardians, and overbearing "monster parents" who are equally difficult to handle. Ami, whose husband works abroad, raises her three-year-old daughter Akane alone. While always wearing a gentle smile in front of neighbors, she often resorts to violence against Akane at home. Akiko is an elderly woman living alone near the elementary school. After being caught by a supermarket clerk leaving without paying for her groceries, she becomes anxious, fearing she might have dementia and lives each day in unease. Adults and children in the city, entangled with worries and doubts, take a new step forward through unexpected "encounters."

This film is adapted from Chūwa Ueji’s novel "You Are a Good Child," which won the 28th Jirō Tanizaki Literary Award and the Shizuoka Bookstore Grand Prix in the novel category, and was ranked fourth in the 2013 Bookstore Awards. The book depicts stories between adults and children in the city, reflecting complex issues in modern society, while also portraying the emotions of being moved, happy, affirmed, helped, hurt, and embraced by one another. The touching story resonates deeply, not only recalling one’s own childhood but also prompting reflection on one’s current relationship with the children around them. The film retains the spirit of the original work while enhancing its emotional impact through visuals and music, moving audiences to tears and leaving them eager to embrace those nearby.

This film carefully portrays ordinary stories around us through actors with outstanding performances. Abuse, neglect, and ridicule—these various problems between adults and children—can happen in every city, every corner, or even to anyone. "Home" holds great significance for everyone, nurturing intimacy and indispensable love, and forms the foundation of society. Yet we can't help but notice that modern families are gradually losing their intended strength, with both adults and children developing vulnerable, fragile, and dark corners deep within. What can we do in such times? [You Are a Good Child] tells audiences through the big screen that simply listening to them, just holding their hands, these small acts of care may save those drowning in sorrow, allowing warmth to bloom in their hearts. We were all once crying children, and by reaching out to help those nearby who are hurting, love and warmth can be passed on, and others in the town can be saved as well. This work reflects the hopeful radiance born from warmth, while reminding us: though we may not be able to save the entire world, we can save the person crying right beside us.