Watch Fireflies at Night

Fireflies at Night is a Japanese drama film directed by Kohki Yoshida. The movie was released in Japan in 2016 and it tells the story of two young boys who escape from a group home and embark on a journey to find their estranged father. The movie is set in the 90s and showcases the reality of Japanese orphanages which were often associated with neglect, abuse and poverty.

The film revolves around the brothers, Koichi and Ryunosuke, who have been living in a group home since their mother passed away. The siblings do not get along with the other children and staff at the home, and feel neglected by their father, who has not visited them in years. Koichi, the older brother, believes that their father will come back for them if they wait patiently, but Ryunosuke, who is more impulsive, has had enough and wants to take action.

One night, Ryunosuke sneaks out of the home and his brother Koichi decides to follow him. The two boys embark on a journey through the countryside, with the goal of reaching their father's hometown. The journey is not an easy one, as they have very little money, no food, and are unfamiliar with the route. The boys must rely on their wits and the kindness of strangers to survive and continue their journey.

Along the way, they meet various people, including a young girl named Yumeko, who joins them in their journey. Together, they encounter many challenges and face some harsh truths about their family and their past. They also experience moments of happiness, like when they catch fireflies in a jar.

Fireflies at Night is a slow-paced, emotional movie that focuses on the relationships between the characters. The film explores themes of family, love, and loss, as the brothers struggle to come to terms with their situation and try to find some sense of belonging. The audience gets to see the bond between the two siblings grow stronger as they rely on each other to survive on their journey.

The cinematography is breathtaking, and the shots of the countryside, as well as the depiction of rural Japan, capture the essence of the time period in which the film is set. The soundtrack is also memorable, with a mix of traditional Japanese music and modern tracks that add to the mood of the film.

Fireflies at Night is a beautifully made film that tackles a difficult subject matter in a sensitive and thoughtful way. The performances by the young actors, particularly Kenta Suga and Kenshin Fujita, who play the brothers Koichi and Ryunosuke, are impressive and add to the emotional depth of the film. The story is relatable, and the characters are easy to root for, making this a film that will resonate with many viewers.

Overall, Fireflies at Night is a heartwarming and poignant movie that deals with love, loss, and the importance of family. It's a must-see for anyone who appreciates Japanese cinema and is looking for a touching and engaging story.

Fireflies at Night is a 2017 special interest movie with a runtime of 8 hours.