Howard Schumann For those who can remember or those who have yet to discover, the first few weeks at college away from home can be the most unsettling, scary, and challenging time of our life, yet few films have chosen to dramatize this commonly shared experience, preferring instead to dwell on outrageous varieties of anti-social behavior. In April Story, a 1998 film, Shunji Iwai continues his sensitive interpretations of the difficulties young people face in stepping gingerly into the adult world. This 68-minute film has little plot and no big events, only the small struggles of daily life that are filled with the subtle meanings that help us grow.Set amidst the blossoming of the spring flowers in Japan that signal the start of the new Japanese school year, April Story, aided by a solo piano and the beautiful cinematography of Shinoda Noboru, has a calming and meditative effect. For the shy and innocent Uzuki Noreno (Takako Matsu), however, coming to Musashino University in Tokyo from rural Hokkaido may be the psychological equivalent of landing on the moon. In the first week alone, she faces the not too delicate questioning of fellow students about her background and why she came to college, the loneliness of being away from home for the first time, and the confusing time of signing up for classes and studying such strange topics as Investment in the Japanese Economy and Cultural Anthropology.Although withdrawn, Uzuki is adventurous enough to join a Fly-Fishing Club at the urging of her only friend Saeko Sano (Rumi), but is embarrassed when she confuses one Brad Pitt movie for another in a discussion with the group leader. One of the loveliest scenes takes place when the newly recruited club members stand in an open field and cast their fishing rods rhythmically into the air. Uzuki's exploration of her surroundings brings daily trips to the local bookstore (where she is intrigued by a bushy-haired young clerk), an encounter with a harassing gentleman in a movie theater, and the inviting sounds of a street band. Fearfully, she reaches out to her neighbors but achieves little result. It is only late in the film that the real reason for her attending this particular university emerges and in a heavy spring rain that paints the city with a refreshing glow, the magic of first love begins to unfold.

Edward717071 This was my third Shunji Iwai experience...richer than 'Picnic' and far richer than 'Undo'...once you get a glimpse of the artist you already know what to expect...beyond lyrical brilliance there's always a sense of sadness in a way that never really meets the eye...maybe is the music (classical masterpieces wonderfully chosen) or maybe is the loneliness of the characters depicted in a very personal manner...the fact that remains is you can not pass-by such movies w/o being deeply touched in a cathartic way... I somehow knew what to expect from 'April Story'....I have to admit that i red some of the comments posted here prior to seeing the film...and i went seeing it with some preconceived ideas on my mind...and nevertheless i was utterly satisfied...because the master done it again...but take my advice and go see that movie w/o knowing anything about it...it's deeper than a symphony and far insightful than an exhibition...and it's an exceptionally vibrant homage to whatever being a pure woman represents....highly reccomended...9/10

qyan Just rent the VCD tonight and falling in love with it immediately. Sweet and beautiful, it is one kind of the movie that makes you smile in the heart and feel how beautiful life becomes... since there is a thing called *love*. The movie is presented in such a sentimental yet subtle way that IMHO none of the hollywood/western film makers can achieve. Being an oriental, I am wondering if western audience will be able to appreciate the movie as much as I am... also highly recommend Love Letter (1995) from the same director.

freakus This small (67 minutes) romantic story breaks no new ground but it is like a piece of candy. Sweet and thoroughly enjoyable while it lasts. I would have liked to see more develop but I think Shunji told the tale he wanted to tell, the loneliness of a girl starting college and how she finds a bit of happiness. The sort of thing high school girls fall in love with.