Way of Blue Sky (Japan Version - English Subtitles) DVD Region 2

Takahashi is a popular junior high student, a gifted athlete who seems blissfully unaware of his high status amongst the girls of his school. He has a tendency to befriend the social outsiders of his class and mixes easily with all. He is well liked by many, so it comes as a shock when he announces that his family is moving to America at the end of the current term and he will only be with his friends for another two weeks. When he also lets it slip that there's a girl he likes in their class, the fistful of girls holding a torch for him are essentially given a timeline to discover if their feelings are returned.

A film of both self-discovery and loss, Way of Blue Sky rides the emotional wave set in motion by Takahashi's impending departure. Its youthful protagonists - adults very seldom appear on screen - are forced to confront the fact that the world changes, that their lives are about to change, and to try and respond accordingly. They must understand their feelings and act on them while there is still time to do so. In short, over the span of two weeks, they must take their first steps away from adolescence and into adulthood. It is a finely crafted film, well wrought and filled with strong performances by its youthful cast.

Way of Blue Sky is a strong, smart film, the sort that will build its reputation and audience slowly and very likely launch more than a few of its young actors to higher profile roles.

By Todd Brown - Twitchfilm.net