After the Storm: Hirokazu Kore-eda presents a modest, simple drama that, precisely for the lack of artifacts, rings very true (even if a tad slow-moving); the characters, starting from the charming rascal to his family, are all very inviting, charming on their own way. As responsible as the solid writing (which has dialogue that is both funny and touching) is the good acting all around; Hiroshi Abe and Kirin Kiki, in particular, are given more time and make the most out of it. Nicely put together, it also has a very pleasant musical score.