Abstract:

Based on the novel of the same title by Asada Jiro. An aging railroad conductor learns that the railway line he has devoted his career to is closing due to unprofitability. He reminisces on how his workaholic ways robbed him of his personal life, including missing the deaths of his wife and only daughter. When an enigmatic high school girl with a passion for railroads pays him a visit, his life changes in unanticipated ways. Ken Takakura, a veteran of dozens of films sometimes referred to as "the Japanese Clint Eastwood," won Best Actor honors at the Montreal World Film Festival for his moving portrayal of the conductor. Also with Shinobu Otake, Ryoki Hirosue, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Masanobu Ando.