South of the Border, West of the Sun
Have you ever had a love unfulfilled during your growing years?
Hajime grows up in the years after the great war in Japan, an only child, rare in those days. His only friend then was Shimamoto, who was also an only child. They spend their time together, usually at her house, listening to records.
The beginnings of a love which they could not understand start from such times.
But he moved away and they lost touch.
In his high school years, he meets another girl but his faithlessness damages her permanently. Racked with this burden, he drifts around after he leaves school for a decade, aimless, without a dream, without direction.
He meets and marries Yukiko and life slowly turns, now in his thirties, a loving wife, a successful business running 2 Jazz Clubs and 2 daughters, life seems wonderful.
Then Shimamoto walks into his bar.
Emotions surpressed come to the fore with a vengence. And his very sense of self is brought into question.
A bittersweet, yet tender look at the emotional state of a man reaching middle age. Very recommended 4 1/2 out of 5.