This film is based on a best selling biography and it mostly tells the story of a mother and son. Told by the son and punctuated with numerous flashbacks, the film has a poignancy and sweetness that reminds me somewhat of Ozu's great films, in that it is a simple story about a relationship, told at a deliberately slow pace and it is not given to overt emotion, like it would be if it was made in America. The touching aspect of the film will move everyone, especially if you have a mom or she is forever in your heart. The cinematography is uniformly wonderful, it enhances the story. Clearly, this feels like a labor of love. I think its a special film, it tugs at your heartstrings while not manipulating your feelings. I fairly highly recommend it.
