Viewed on DVD. An entertaining bit of fluff based (more or less) on a real event: the unlikely founding of a Hawaiian-themed resort spa on the cold northern coast in Fukushima Prefecture's coal country! The temperature in Iwaki (the story's location) on average is about half that of Hawaii which may account (at least in part) for the spa's continuing success. Direction and acting are uneven. Comedy scenes seem to be the director's forte (there are many hilarious moments in the first half of the movie), but not drama (dramatic scenes are too drawn out and hammy especially in the second half of the film). Adult actors (and adults trying to act as juveniles) deliver the best performances. Interiors (especially the practice dance studio and performance hall) are unrealistically amusing: this may be a prosperous coal town, but it's not that prosperous! (Interiors were shot at the resort spa.) Subtitles are essential (the dialog is loaded with slang and delivered at Tokyo street speed), but tend to be a bit longish. Cinematography (16:9 wide screen) and sound are fine (the apparent remix to elicit surround-sound is especially well done). Even the production unit's name is Kawaii: "Black Diamond" (aka "coal"). WILLIAM FLANIGAN, PhD.
Review of Hura gâru
