You're a Good Kid – The Power of Love Rekindled

You're a Good Kid (Being Good), adapted from the original novel that won the "28th Jirō Tanizaki Literary Prize," is directed by Mai Tominaga—who has been awarded Best Director at both the Montreal Film Festival and Japan’s Kinema Junpo—demonstrating directing prowess beyond her previous works, leaving all audiences 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. Parents indifferent to their children, alcoholics, and overbearing "monster parents" are equally difficult to handle. Asami, 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, she becomes anxious, fearing she may have dementia. In the city, adults and children entangled in their own worries and doubts will take a new step forward through unexpected “encounters.”

This film is adapted from Chūwaki Ueji’s novel You're a Good Kid, which won the 28th Jirō Tanizaki Literary Prize 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 the complex issues of modern society, while also portraying the emotions of inspiration and happiness derived from mutual affirmation, help, harm, and embrace among people. The moving plot resonates deeply, not only recalling one’s own childhood but also prompting reflection on one’s current relationship with the children around them. The movie retains the spirit of the original work while enhancing its emotional impact through visuals and music, deeply moving all audiences to tears, leaving them eager to give someone close a warm hug afterward.

Through the outstanding performances of its cast, the film carefully portrays the ordinary stories around us. Abuse, neglect, and mockery—these various problems between adults and children—can happen in any city, any corner, or even to anyone. “Home” holds significant meaning for everyone, nurturing intimacy and indispensable love, and forming the foundation of a broader society. Yet we inevitably find that modern families are gradually losing their inherent vitality, with both adults and children developing vulnerable, tender, and dark corners deep within. What can we do in such times? [You're a Good Kid] tells audiences through the big screen that simply listening to them, just holding their hands, these small acts of care might save those drowning in sorrow, allowing warmth and flowers to bloom in their hearts. We were all once crying children; by reaching out to 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 light born from such warmth, while also reminding us: although we may not be able to save the whole world, we can save the person crying right beside us.