Movie Discovery of the Day: The Longing (2025) by Toshizo Fujiwara
- dailyentertainment95
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
About movie: https://www.toshizoproduce.com/
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35453013/
Link to watch: https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/the-longing
"The Longing (2025)" by Toshizo Fujiwara: A Tender Look at Second Chances and Human Connection
Directed by Japanese actor, writer, and director Toshizo Fujiwara, "The Longing" (original title "Mikusu Modan") is a gentle and heartfelt drama released in 2025 that explores themes of rehabilitation, human frailty, and the quiet strength found in unexpected connections. Based on Fujiwara's own play and drawing from his personal experience as a volunteer probation officer, the film offers a low-key but emotionally resonant portrayal of former juvenile offenders striving for a fresh start in Osaka.
About Movie (Detailed Summary)
Set in Osaka, "The Longing" centers on a middle-aged couple, Hiro (Toshizo Fujiwara) and Sono (Rino Tsuneishi), who run an okonomiyaki restaurant and make a conscious effort to employ former juvenile offenders as a way to support their reintegration into society. The film primarily follows the story of 18-year-old Yuto (Daiki Ido), a recent ex-con who is given a chance to work and build a new life at their restaurant. Yuto is eager for a fresh start but is haunted by his past, including being abandoned by his mother and his father leaving town. As he navigates the challenges of staying on the straight and narrow, he encounters temptations from old friends and develops a fascination with Yukiha (Sasha), a young dancer who has also recently been released from juvenile detention. Meanwhile, Hiro and Sono are dealing with their own unspoken struggles, including a recent miscarriage and the subtle pressures and judgments from their community for their work with former offenders. The film observes the subtle dynamics between these characters, highlighting the difficulties of breaking free from a troubled past, the complexities of finding belonging, and the quiet acts of kindness and loyalty that can offer a path towards redemption. It's a story that emphasizes what is left unsaid, allowing emotions and connections to emerge gradually through the characters' interactions and the film's understated visual language.
Plot Summary
An Osaka restaurant-owning couple who hire former juvenile offenders take in a young ex-con striving for a new life, exploring his struggles with the past, new relationships, and the possibility of redemption.
Director's Vision
Drawing directly from his extensive experience as a volunteer probation officer and his background in theatre, Toshizo Fujiwara aimed to create a film that offers an honest and empathetic look at the process of offender rehabilitation and the human stories behind it. He was particularly interested in exploring the idea of second chances and the complex interplay between societal judgment, personal demons, and the potential for change. Fujiwara's vision embraced a naturalist, low-budget approach, utilizing handheld camerawork and a slightly grainy aesthetic to evoke a sense of realism and intimacy, reminiscent of older cinema. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with his actors, encouraging them to bring their own personalities and experiences to their roles to create authentic portrayals. Influenced by filmmakers like Ken Loach in his social realism and by Kafka in his exploration of individuals within larger systems, Fujiwara sought to tell a story that, while seemingly simple, delves into the quiet emotional complexities of his characters and the subtle ways in which human connection and resilience manifest. He hoped the film would convey a message of hope, suggesting that even in darkness, the smallest possibilities for a better future can be found.
Themes
Rehabilitation and Second Chances: The film directly addresses the challenges and possibilities of former offenders reintegrating into society.
Human Connection and Empathy: It explores the bonds that form between individuals, particularly those offering and receiving support and understanding.
Past vs. Present: The characters grapple with the lingering impact of their past mistakes and experiences on their present lives and future prospects.
Societal Judgment and Acceptance: The film touches upon the difficulties individuals face in being accepted by society after being incarcerated.
Unspoken Struggles: The narrative highlights the importance of what is left unsaid and the hidden emotional burdens that characters carry.
Hope and Resilience: Despite the challenges, the film ultimately emphasizes the enduring human capacity for hope and the strength to persevere.
Found Family: The relationships formed at the restaurant offer a sense of belonging and support that some characters may lack in their biological families.
Key Success Factors
"The Longing" has received early positive attention, suggesting several potential key success factors:
Authentic Subject Matter: Drawing from the director's personal experience as a probation officer lends a sense of authenticity and insight to the portrayal of offender rehabilitation.
Heartfelt and Endearing Tone: Despite the serious subject matter, the film's gentle and emotionally resonant approach has resonated with early viewers and critics.
Strong Central Performances: The nuanced portrayals by the lead cast, particularly Daiki Ido and Toshizo Fujiwara, are crucial to the film's emotional impact.
Relatable Human Story: The film explores universal themes of struggling for a better life, overcoming past mistakes, and the need for connection.
Understated Stylistic Approach: The low-fi, realist aesthetic contributes to the film's intimate feel and focus on character.
Festival Premiere: Its selection for the Panorama section at the Berlinale provided significant international exposure and critical attention.
Summary Short
Toshizo Fujiwara's "The Longing (2025)" is a Japanese drama about an Osaka couple who help rehabilitate former juvenile offenders, focusing on a young ex-con's struggle for a fresh start amidst past challenges and new connections.
Awards and Nominations
As of late April 2025, "The Longing (2025)" has received the following notable nomination:
Nominated for the Panorama Audience Award (Film) at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in 2025.
IMDb currently lists no awards or nominations for the film, but this may be updated as the film receives further recognition.
Critics Reception
Early critical reception for "The Longing" has been generally positive, with reviewers appreciating its sincerity and emotional depth despite a familiar premise and some technical rawness.
Screen Daily (Lee Marshall): Described it as an "endearingly heartfelt, low-budget Japanese drama" where the story "gradually gets under the skin." Praised the central performances and the film's focus on what is unsaid. Noted the murky handheld camerawork and initially on-the-nose dialogue as early hurdles.
Loud and Clear Reviews (Review): Called it a "gentle realist drama tackling familiar themes" that "lacks in originality it makes up for in craft and in heart," highlighting the "three central performances... that leave a firm impression" and the understated script.
Berlinale (Program Notes and Interview): Highlighted the film's social realist approach and the director's personal connection to the subject matter. Interviews emphasized the collaborative process with the actors and the film's themes of mentorship and finding light in darkness.
JoySauce.com (Review): Referred to it as a "DIY Japanese drama" that "wrestles with reform," finding its wisdom and emotional complexity creep in slowly and praising the central trio of performances. Noted the initial choppy, low-fi aesthetic.
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Early reviews suggest that "The Longing" is a moving and honest film, particularly strong in its character portrayals and the subtle way it builds emotional resonance. While some technical aspects of its low-budget production were noted, critics largely found these outweighed by the film's heartfelt storytelling and authentic depiction of the challenges and small victories in the lives of former offenders. The film's basis in the director's personal experience and its focus on the unsaid were seen as strengths.
Reviews
Reviews indicate that "The Longing" is a film that unfolds subtly, gradually revealing its emotional depth. The interactions between the characters, particularly between Yuto and Hiro, are central to the narrative and are brought to life by the strong performances. Reviewers found that the film effectively captures the difficulties faced by individuals trying to leave a criminal past behind and the societal hurdles they encounter. The film's low-key, realist style is seen as contributing to its authenticity, allowing the human drama to take center stage. While not a grand or flashy production, "The Longing" appears to be a quietly powerful film that resonates through its sincere portrayal of human vulnerability and the enduring possibility of change.
Production
"The Longing (2025)," originally titled "Mikusu Modan," is a Japanese drama directed by Toshizo Fujiwara. The screenplay was co-written by Fujiwara and Rin Mikuni. The film is based on a play by Toshizo Fujiwara. It was produced by Toshizo Produce. The cast includes Daiki Ido, Toshizo Fujiwara, Rino Tsuneishi, and Sasha. The film is noted for its low-budget production and a visual style that utilizes handheld camerawork and added texture to evoke older cinema. Principal photography took place in real-life locations in Osaka.
Production Companies
Toshizo Produce: (Country: Japan) - Production company.
Sales Companies
Axxon Media: (Country: Belgium) - Handles the international sales for the film.
Distribution Companies
Information regarding specific distribution companies in various territories is not yet widely available. The film is expected to have theatrical releases in various countries following sales by Axxon Media. Discussions with French distributors have been reported.
Release Date on Streaming
As of late April 2025, there is no publicly available information about the release date of "The Longing (2025)" on streaming platforms. Streaming availability will depend on future distribution deals in various territories following its theatrical and festival runs.
Theatrical Release
"The Longing (2025)" had its World Premiere on February 19, 2025, in the Panorama section of the Berlin International Film Festival. It also had its German premiere on the same date. The film is expected to have further screenings at international film festivals and is being sold for theatrical release in various territories by its sales agent, Axxon Media. A French release is anticipated, with talks reportedly underway with distributors.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Moving Story of Redemption: The film offers a hopeful and realistic portrayal of individuals trying to turn their lives around.
Authentic Portrayal of Social Issues: Drawing from the director's experience, the film provides insight into offender rehabilitation.
Strong Character Development and Performances: The film's strength lies in its relatable characters and the actors who portray them.
Understated and Emotionally Resonant: The film's quiet approach allows its emotional impact to build effectively.
Why to Watch Movie
Interest in Japanese Social Drama: If you appreciate films that explore contemporary social issues in Japan.
To See a Film with a Personal Connection to the Subject: The director's background adds a layer of authenticity to the story.
For Fans of Character-Driven Narratives: The film prioritizes the inner lives and interactions of its characters.
If You Appreciate Independent and Low-Budget Filmmaking: The film showcases how compelling stories can be told with limited resources.
What Movie Trend film is following
"The Longing" aligns with the trend of social realist cinema, focusing on the lives of ordinary people facing challenging circumstances within contemporary society. It also fits within the trend of films exploring themes of rehabilitation and second chances. As a film based on a play and drawing from the director's personal experience, it connects to a trend of autobiographical or semi-autobiographical storytelling in cinema. Its low-budget and intimate style are also reflective of trends in independent filmmaking.
What Big Social Trend is following
The film directly engages with the social trend of offender reintegration and the challenges individuals face in rejoining society after incarceration. It highlights the importance of support systems, employment opportunities, and societal acceptance in preventing recidivism. The film also implicitly touches upon broader social issues related to poverty, lack of opportunity, and the factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency. The community's reaction to employing former offenders also reflects societal attitudes towards forgiveness and second chances.
Final Verdict
Toshizo Fujiwara's "The Longing (2025)" is a sincere and affecting drama that offers a valuable and intimate look at the complexities of offender rehabilitation in Japan. Drawing from the director's unique perspective and based on his own play, the film tells a quietly powerful story of a young ex-con's struggle for a fresh start and the compassionate couple who offer him a lifeline. While its low-budget origins are sometimes visible in its technical execution, the film's strength lies in its authentic characters, strong performances, and its ability to convey deep emotional resonance through understated storytelling. Early positive reviews suggest that "The Longing" is a moving and worthwhile film that resonates with its timely social themes and its hopeful message about the possibility of redemption and human connection. Its selection for the Berlinale Panorama section underscores its artistic merit and its potential to connect with international audiences interested in thoughtful, character-driven social dramas.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Draw Inspiration from Personal Experiences and Social Issues: Filmmakers can create powerful and authentic stories by engaging with subjects they have a deep understanding of.
Focus on Character and Emotion in Low-Budget Productions: Compelling characters and heartfelt storytelling can often outweigh technical limitations.
Explore the Power of the Unsaid: Allowing for subtle expressions and unspoken emotions can add depth and realism to a narrative.
Adapt Your Own Work: Filmmakers can find new ways to explore themes and stories by adapting their plays or other creative works for the screen.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Independent Films with Strong Social Relevance: Encourage and provide platforms for films that tackle important societal issues, even if they are not large-scale productions.
Recognize the Value of Festival Exposure: Continue to support film festivals as crucial venues for bringing independent and international films to the attention of critics, distributors, and audiences.
Invest in Films That Offer Diverse Perspectives: Support filmmakers who can provide unique insights into different cultures and social experiences.
Promote Films That Highlight Human Connection and Hope: Recognize the audience's appetite for stories that, while acknowledging difficulties, also offer messages of resilience and the possibility of positive change.
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