I love documentaries and have reviewed many hundred. So, after seeing so many and reviewing them, I have come to realize that one of the best things you can find in such a film is a very neutral stance. In other words, instead of using a narrator, just let the people talk and let the audience decide the meaning and significance of the film. Now this sort of approach might sound easy but it takes real restraint to just let people talk and not try to loudly make whatever points you want to make. I loved that "Kokoyaku" had no narrator--it just let folks speak for themselves.
The film follows two teams that are involved in a high school baseball tournament held each year called the Koshien. The Koshien consists of 49 (or was it 47?) teams who have won their region playing a tourney that is single elimination. The two teams are regional winners--which is pretty amazing because these are the best of the best--as thousands of high schools hope to make this cut. But it isn't that easy--these 40-some teams do NOT rest on their laurels and losing is an absolute horror (with coaches and players crying their eyes out when this occurs). How they prepare (with 10 hours practice a day--every day) and how equally hard the cheerleaders prepare is both inspiring and troubling to me. Some surely will be horrified and some will no doubt wish the kids in our country are THAT dedicated. And this brings me to one of MANY questions I had watching this--is this dedication that different from some schools in some parts of the US? Basketball is everything in the US Midwest--and the same can be said for football in the South. How do these kids in different cultures compare? I know the film cannot answer this but the fact it made me wonder is a good thing. Other questions that came to mind as I watched included wondering what the long-term effects are on the kids, whether suicide risk is increased by the tournament (they REALLY took it seriously!), the relationship of this team spirit and fascism or Japanese militarism of the 1930s-40s among others. As I said, I like films that get you to think and ask questions--and this one really set my mind to thinking. Well made and well worth your time--even if you hate baseball.
