The Friends: SOOMAI Shinji’s coming-of-age drama tells the story of three boys who get obsessed with death and start following an old man around. He has other ideas on the matter, and they form a transformative bond, as he puts their initial nuisance to good use. The film’s main theme, mortality, may seem heavy, but the light touch used makes this a touching and entertaining experience. The three friends are played charmingly by SAKATA Naoki (the more level-headed narrator of the tale), OH Taiki (the bespectacled kid with big ideas), and MAKINO Ken’ichi (the timid, overweight giant); MIKUNI Rentaroo plays the gruffy old man rather nicely. Editor OKUHARA Yoshiyuki gives the film a nice, unhurried rhythm. Director of photography SHINODA Noboru’s camerawork is excellent and varied, with exquisite framing and subtle dynamism. The guitar-focused musical score, by composer Sérgio Assad, is an unusual but very effective choice.