Pool 2009
Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Chiang Mai's quiet guesthouse poolscape, *Pool (2009)* follows a tender reunion between Kyoko, a mother who left Japan for Thailand years ago, and her teenage daughter Sayo, who arrives on the cusp of her own graduation.
Director: Mika Ohmori
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pool (2009) about?
*Pool* follows Sayo's journey from Japan to Thailand to spend time with her mother Kyoko, whom she hasn't seen in years. During six brief but transformative days, Sayo experiences the warmth of her mother's new community and begins to see Kyoko—and their relationship—in a different light, all framed by the shimmering calm of a small guesthouse pool.
Who directed Pool?
The film was directed by Mika Ohmori, a filmmaker known for intimate character-driven stories that explore family and identity across cultural divides.
Who stars in Pool?
The film stars Satomi Kobayashi as Kyoko, Kana as Sayo, Ryo Kase, Masako Motai, and Sittichai Kongpila in key roles.
Is Pool (2009) worth watching?
*Pool* isn't a high-energy drama, but it offers a tender, understated meditation on family and belonging. If you appreciate low-key character studies with emotional depth and cross-cultural themes, it's a quietly rewarding watch—though it may not satisfy those seeking fast-paced plots or twists.
How long is Pool?
The film runs 96 minutes, perfect for an afternoon of relaxed viewing.
🎥 Trailer
About Pool (2009) — A Thai sojourn where family meets the unexpected
Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Chiang Mai's quiet guesthouse poolscape, *Pool (2009)* follows a tender reunion between Kyoko, a mother who left Japan for Thailand years ago, and her teenage daughter Sayo, who arrives on the cusp of her own graduation. Directed by Mika Ohmori, this gentle drama-comedy unfolds across six sunlit days where cultural contrasts and unspoken emotions bubble beneath the surface like the pool's rippling reflections. As Sayo navigates unfamiliar streets and faces the warmth—and occasional friction—of Kyoko's adopted world, their bond subtly shifts from distance to understanding.
Ohmori crafts a quiet yet richly atmospheric slice-of-life story, weaving together themes of mother-daughter relationships, cross-cultural identity, and the unplanned moments that reshape family ties. With a measured rhythm that mirrors the languid pace of tropical afternoons, *Pool (2009)* invites viewers into a microcosm of connection, where every ripple in the water seems to mirror the stirrings of the heart.