Hanagatami 2017
Nobuhiko Obayashi's poignant drama *Hanagatami* (2017) transports viewers to the spring of 1941, where the tranquil coastal town of Karatsu becomes a stage for youthful dreams, fleeting romances, and the looming shadow of war.
Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi
Cast
Shunsuke Kubozuka
Toshihiko Sakakiyama
Shinnosuke Mitsushima
Ukai
Keishi Nagatsuka
Kira
Tokio Emoto
Aso
Honoka Yahagi
Mina Ema
Hirona Yamazaki
Akine
Mugi Kadowaki
Chitose
Takako Tokiwa
Keiko Ema
Takehiro Murata
Professor Yamauchi
Tetsuya Takeda
Dr. Ichijo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hanagatami (2017) about?
*Hanagatami* follows sixteen-year-old Toshihiko as he navigates love, friendship, and the encroaching realities of war in 1941 Karatsu. His journey intertwines with a group of spirited adolescents whose relationships deepen against the backdrop of nature's beauty and the gathering storm of global conflict.
Who directed Hanagatami?
The film was directed by the acclaimed Nobuhiko Obayashi, known for his innovative and visually expressive storytelling style.
Who stars in Hanagatami?
The film features a talented ensemble led by Shunsuke Kubozuka, Shinnosuke Mitsushima, Keishi Nagatsuka, Tokio Emoto, and Honoka Yahagi.
Is Hanagatami (2017) worth watching?
With its unique blend of poetic romance and wartime drama, *Hanagatami* is a standout for fans of Obayashi's work or those seeking a visually rich, emotionally layered film. Its ambition and atmosphere make it a compelling watch for discerning viewers.
How long is Hanagatami?
The film has a runtime of 169 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Hanagatami (2017) — A poetic war-era drama of youth and love
Nobuhiko Obayashi's poignant drama *Hanagatami* (2017) transports viewers to the spring of 1941, where the tranquil coastal town of Karatsu becomes a stage for youthful dreams, fleeting romances, and the looming shadow of war. Sixteen-year-old Toshihiko arrives to stay with his aunt and care for his cousin, immersing himself in the town's natural beauty and cultural rhythms. As he forges deep connections with a circle of extraordinary teens, their carefree moments are quietly unsettled by the distant rumble of conflict, blending poetic tenderness with the weight of impending history.
Obayashi crafts a visually striking, emotionally resonant portrait of adolescence on the brink, where first loves bloom like cherry blossoms and the scent of salt in the air feels both comforting and portentous. With a dreamlike reverence for the past, *Hanagatami* weaves together romance, war, and coming-of-age into a haunting meditation on time, beauty, and the fragility of life.
