In today's fast-moving world, planes are the main means of taking people to distant travelling destinations. Yaguchi Shinobu makes a special film dedicated to the airliner in Happy Flight. The movie brings the whole airport industry alive in a charming way, with Ayase Haruka and Tanabe Seiichi caught in the middle as a stewardess and a co-pilot on their maiden flights.

It was an absolute delight for me to observe the film's flight attendant group, including Mari (Fukiishi Kazue) who gets a kick out of having foot massages while devouring a meal during an excessively short on-flight break. I also found Terajima Shinobu as chief stewardess Yamazaki, who has the reputation of being a dragon but actually is merely totally devoted to her job, very convincing. Tokito Saburo as stern aircraft captain Harada, who is still able to maintain his sense of humor, is another credit as supporting actor. As far as the airport ground personnel is concerned, Tabata Tomiko and Hiraiwa Kami slip into the roles of Kimura and Yoshida who leave no stone unturned to help resolve problems encountered by passengers before and after boarding. Tayama Ryousei is also noteworthy as demanding ground personnel manager Morita who restores a couple of honeymooners' trust in flying. Sugawara Daikichi meanwhile seems to fully enjoy his supporting role as a gentleman turned busybody passenger insisting that the customer is always right.

Though the film builds up to a finale revolving around an emergency landing, the film stays true to its title, right up to the plane's captain who advises stressed-out co-pilot Kazuhiro (Tanabe Seiichi) to keep smiling as he prepares for his first real crucial landing. After disappointing first attempts at her job, Ayase Haruka's Etsuko is able to reclaim her lost smile when chief stewardess Yamazaki gives her the chance to reveal her talents in the pantry.

Overall, I enjoyed the feel-good atmosphere of the film. The pleasing flight with a winning crew in the air and on the ground just might make you long for your next trip to the airport. Mostly a smiling affair, Happy Flight closes in an optimistic way as the crew takes off to their next destination, appropriately accompanied by the Frank Sinatra number Come Fly With Me.