From Up on Poppy Hill

Set in Yokohama during 1963, this poignant film presents an authentic portrait of post-WWII Japan as it gears up to host the 1964 Olympics. The atmosphere is vibrantly hopeful with a hint of unrest, as younger generations attempt to break free from the weight of their nation's turbulent past. Amid this backdrop of change and progress, an unlikely friendship flourishes between two high school students: Umi and Shun. However, their budding bond is challenged when long-buried secrets resurface, threatening to shatter the delicate balance of their relationship and their hopes for a brighter future. This film masterfully intertwines themes of friendship, personal growth, and the complexities of national healing within its richly detailed historical context.