Being Good

きみはいい子 (Kimi wa iiko)

Tasuku (Kengo Kora) is a new primary school teacher struggling to deal with his class who is constantly on the receiving end of concerns from the children’s overly-protective parents. Despite feeling out of his depth, when he discovers that one of his pupils is being abused by their parents, he decides that he must do something to help. Meanwhile in the same city, Masami (Machiko Ono), a woman who appears to be a good mother, can’t help lashing out at her own child.

Director Mipo O (The Light Shines Only There) returns to this year’s programme with her latest film, a heart-wrenching portrayal of isolated people caught in downward spirals which also shows how simple acts of kindness can blossom and make a difference in someone’s life. This film was awarded the NETPAC Jury Prize at the 37th Moscow International Film Festival.

学級崩壊の危機に立たされて右往左往した末に、生徒に「家族に抱きしめられてくること」という宿題を出した新米教師。夫が海外赴任をしている間、娘に対して手を上げてしまう母親。小学校の前に立つ家で暮らしながら、認知症を患ったのではないかとの不安を覚え始めた老婆。同じ街で暮らす人物たちを交互に描きつつ、それぞれが新たな人生を歩んでいくまでの様子を描く。

監督: 呉美保
出演: 高良健吾、尾野真千子、池脇千鶴

Distributor: Nikkatsu