Sû-chan, Mai-chan, Sawako-san

Three 30-something women who were co-workers a decade earlier reestablish their friendships and assess their present situations. Japan's answer to Chil-in Kwon's *Venus Talk* in the mature, intelligent chick-flick department. And it's cast even better. Three real good actresses anchor a half dozen other fine actors (including Arata and Shota Sometani as the only boys--in refreshingly substantive parts, not fodder for girl power). There's a surprising amount of inventive, artful cinematography employed. Everything about the film oozes a we-know-what-we're-doing vibe. I didn't like the song used to transition one of the women's ship to rightedness but other than that the film is pretty flawless. If you like these kind of films, you'll like this one.