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7 gatsu 24 ka dôri no Kurisumasu (2006)
Japanese Christmas
The story of a shy girl, looking for her prince. For some reason not entirely clear to me Christmas Eve is considered the most romantic time in Japan. The entire story of Jesus' birth is lost for many adult women here amidst the desire to find that elusive Mr Right in time for the 24th December. In this movie this is made more complicated by the heroine Sayuri's fetish for a manga set in Lisbon, Portugal, hence the 24th street of the title. This is a fairly standard romantic comedy with most of the genre's boxes ticked along the way: Bride has last minute doubts at the altar, heroine spends what seems like hours rushing through the streets of Nagasaki after a last moment change of heart about That Man. Viewers of recent Japanese box office offerings will also recognize clichés amongst the cast of supporting characters. The movie is partially redeemed by its cinematography, with truly heart-warming shots of both cities previously mentioned. It may well have a witty and moving script- alas this reviewer's Japanese doesn't stretch to the subtleties of Japanese dialogue. But a Japanese Bridget Jones Diary this is not, though it does a moments seem like it is trying to be. If you wish to see a truly Christmassy movie this winter season, I suggest The Nativity Story.