Naoto Kumazawa Movies
- 2008
Three young men try to turn their dreams of Olympic gold into a reality in this sports drama from Japan. The Mizuki Diving Club has enjoyed a reputation for transforming talented young divers into world-class champions, but in recent years the club has had a run of bad luck, and with few winning divers emerging from their ranks, sponsorship is dwindling and unless things change the MDC could go out of business. Faced with this grim possibility, the head coach (Ken Mitsuishi) swallows his pride and brings in Coach Asaki (Asaka Seto), a lovely but determined instructor who intends to restore the MDC to its former glory. Asaki puts her focus on three young divers she's convinced have the greatest potential -- Yoichi (Sosuke Ikematsu), the head coach's son, who despite his talent had has problems living up to his father's expectations; Shibuki (Junpei Mizobata), a loner given to sharp mood swings; and Tomoki (Kento Hayashi), who Asaki feels has the potential for greatness despite his less-than-impressive record. With qualifying events for the Olympics coming up soon, Coach Asaki pushes herself and her students to the limit, preparing Yoichi, Shibuki and Tomoki for the all-important qualifying meets, but can the boys handle the pressure that comes with the most prestigious event in sports? Dive!! is based on a novel by Eto Mori, which was later adapted by the author into a popular manga series. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 2006
A young man wishes against all hopes for a second chance at love in this romantic drama from Japan. Tomoya Kishida (Hayato Ichihara) is a film student with dreams of one day becoming an important director. While at school, he meets pretty Aoi Sato (Juri Ueno), and the two become fast friends. However, while he lacks the nerve to tell her, before long Tomoya has fallen in love with Aoi. While they remain best friends, after graduating, Tomoya gets a job as an assistant on a film set, while Aoi heads off to visit California. Shortly after sending a picture of a rainbow to Aoi's cell phone, Tomoya receives the shocking news that her flight has crashed and she has died. As he arranges to fly to California and arrange for Aoi's funeral, Tomoya begins having persistent daydreams about the love affair he wanted but never had with her. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hayato Ichihara, Juri Ueno, (more)
