a stunning and thoughtful observation on modern life for youngster in japan and like grain of sand delf into issue such a rape and homosexuality and pubescent angst in a subtle and significant way . it give an insight in to the youth culture struggle to define itself outside of the bound of their parent generation and with it strict conformity and facade . typical to japanese cinema and often what isn not say be more important that what be and so to those not verse in japanese film and culture and beware . it can seem dull and minimalistic ( pretty much like every film to come out of japan bar mangas ) if you do not know what to look for . i saw it for the first time when i be 15 and be what originally spark my interest in japan and it culture and language . consider i be now 22 and learn japanese with the intention of living there for 2 year and needless to say it a powerful film . enjoy .