The Exam (1999)
Togashi, an enthusiastic marathon runner and his wife are occupied with their daughter Mayumi's grade school entrance examinations, but he becomes jobless when his company folds. To regain his confidence Togashi decides to join the marathon that is taking place on the very day of his daughter's examination and the all important interview.
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This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.
The film may be flawed, but its message is not.
I'm not really clued up on whether the Japanese are so extreme as to put 6 year olds and their families through rigorous examinations and IQ tests before allowing them to enter a better than average elementary school. However if they are then this film parodies this and at the same time deals with the midlife crises of the father. It also looks at role reversal in the home - father becomes the homemaker and mother goes out selling tombstones. There is a scene where the little girl gets slapped (not shown but heard) by her mother for not wanting to greet their guests and that may not be entirely nice for young children to see but overall this film is very sweet and at the same time worth watching - especially for the Hallmark Channel type audience. Please do not expect Zatoichi or Kill Bill with this film, if you do, you will find it boring. Recommended for older children and middle aged viewers.
OK the Japanese society may put a lot of emphasis on their children's future, hence will do anything to ensure that their children will succeed. This movie is supposed to be funny & satirical, but I do not get the humour at all. It was such an incredible bore, I was hoping the film to finish, and when it did, I hoped it gave me a more decent ending.