Film
Shinichiro Sawai had succeful run with the Kadokawa idol genre when he first directed Hiroko Yakushimaru in the award winning Tragedy of W (1984), and then followed it next year with Tomoyo Harada’s Early Spring Story. Harada plays Hitomi, a 17 year old student who develops a crush on middle aged salesman (Ryuzo Hayashi). Although the romance sounds a bit dubious, and later the screenplay starts resembling a soap opera in some respects, Early Spring Story is actually a very good movie. It doesn’t feature a single drop of sentimentalism, which makes it more interesting than many other human relationship dramas. Harada, who also sings two songs in the film, is very good in her role, creating a character that is likable but also a little bit selfish. She also has some very funny scenes and lines of dialogue (”I think middle aged women are scary”). Hitomi’s father is played by Kunie Tanaka. Most viewers probably remember him from Toei’s yakuza movies, but here he gives a very different kind of performance. Two other supporting players should also be pointed out; the former Nikkatsu erotica queen Junko Miyashita in a very brief role as Hitomi’s mother’s friend, and Nobuko Sendo, just one year before her starring role in the JAC action fest Rebellion League of Girls in Sailor Uniform (1986), as Hitomi’s friend.
DVD
Kadokawa gives this great idol film a very nice presentation on dvd. The progressive transfer is a bit old, but it’s perfectly functional features next to no edge enhancement. Audio is a bit harsh during Harada’s restaurant singing scene, but otherwise fine. Extras are great; interviews, behind the scenes clips, music video (consisting of scenes from the film) and more. Harada fans are sure to enjoy these features. For more detailed information see my next post.
This dvd was originally released in 2001. I own the Kadokawa heroines dai 3 senshu box set which also includes Hiroko Yakushimaru’s W no higeki and Noriko Watanabe’s Itsuka dareka ga korosareru. Individual releases are also available, and the only difference should the the packaging. The box set holds 3 jewel cases, the normal releases should come in traditional dvd-cases.
Screencaptures
Tomoyo Harada and Nobuko Sendo
Ryuzo Hayashi
Junko Miyashita
Kunie Tanaka
Screencaptures from extras
Music video
