i live in tokyo for 7 month . know the reality of long train commute and bike ride from the train station and soup stand and and other typical scene depict so well and certainly add to my own appreciation for this film which i really and really like . there be aspect of japanese life in this film paint with vivid color but you do not have to speak japanese to enjoy this movie . director suo trick be subtle for the most part while i find his highlight the character call tamako tamura with a soft filter and make her sublime and a tiny bit contrive but most of the director trick be so gentle that i be fully pull in and just dance with his character . or cry . or laughed aloud . wonderful . a plus .