I Wish

Hirokazu Koreeda, Japan 2011. 129 mins. Certificate PG

A masterwork of contemporary Japanese cinema, this beautifully directed film from Hirokazu Koreeda perfectly captures the end of childhood.

Forced to live with different parents in the wake of their separation, I Wish follows brothers Koichi and Ryu as they hatch a plan to bring the family back together. All they need is a miracle…

Starring real life brothers Koki and Ohshirô Maeda, the film is bursting with outstanding performances from first time actors as well as a cast of longstanding Koreeda collaborators.

Koreeda has been called his generations Ozu and I Wish offers a contemporary take on pre-teen life that rivals the best in ’80s Spielberg. Prepare to be wowed.

★★★★★ ‘[T]his complex, delicate drama about two young boys living through their parents’ split is the real deal, and deeply satisfying’ Peter Bradshaw, THE GUARDIAN

★★★★★ ‘Every performance works, every character fits, every observation rings true.’ Tom Huddleston, TIME OUT

★★★★ ‘Everything is fresh in this stations-of-childhood story lit up by stroboscopic flashes of wit, beauty and perception.’ Nigel Andrews, FINANCIAL TIMES

★★★★ ‘Hirokazu Koreeda is Japan’s greatest working filmmaker. End of.’ David Jenkins, LITTLE WHITE LIES