blue

2002, 116 min., color, 35mm.  In Japanese with English subtitles.

Directed by Hiroshi Ando. Written by Yuka Honcho, based on manga by Kiriko Nananan. With Mikako Ichikawa, Manami Konishi, Asami Imajuku, Jun Murakami. Print courtesy of Micott & Basara, Inc.

During her last year of high school at a sleepy local seashore town, Kayako does not know what she wants to do with her life. She is attracted to her female classmate Masami, who seems to be more mature than anyone else in their class. Hiroshi Ando has transformed Kiriko Nananan’s manga into a delicate teenager drama of angst and pleasure, framed in the exquisite beauty and subtlety of color and local landscapes.

Tickets: $10; Japan Society members, seniors & students $5.