Ryôga Hayashi

Twelve-year-old Koichi lives with his mother and retired grandparents in the southern region of Japan. His younger brother Ryunosuke lives with their father in the northern region of Japan. The brothers have been separated by their parents’ divorce and Koichi’s only wish is for his family to be reunited. When he learns that a new bullet train line will soon open linking the two towns, he starts to believe that a miracle will take place the moment these new trains first pass each other at top speed. With help from the adults around him, Koichi sets out on a journey with a group of friends, each hoping to witness a miracle.

Kore-eda’s acclaimed film is what the Japanese call a “home drama”, chronicling the 24-hour reunion of the Yokoyama family on the anniversary of the death of their elder son. During the day and night, we see all that unites and divides this particular family – and makes it just like any other.