Watch One Wonderful Sunday

One Wonderful Sunday is a 1947 Japanese film directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. The film tells the simple story of two young lovers struggling to make ends meet in post-war Tokyo. The story is set on a Sunday, the only day the two can afford to spend together, and follows their adventures as they try to enjoy their day despite their lack of money.

The film opens with Yuzo (played by Isao Numasaki) and Masako (played by Chieko Nakakita) sitting on a bench in a park, discussing their plans for the day. They have only 35 yen between them, which they decide to use to explore the city. They start their day by visiting an art museum, but are disappointed to discover that the museum is closed due to a power outage. Despite the setback, the couple perseveres and decides to walk around the city instead.

Their wanderings lead them to a concert hall, where they listen to a beautiful rendition of Beethoven's Sixth Symphony. Yuzo and Masako are both deeply affected by the music, and their joy and contentment are written all over their faces. However, they can't afford to buy a record of the music, and leave the hall somewhat deflated.

Next, Yuzo and Masako visit a restaurant, hoping to have a nice meal together. However, they quickly realize that the prices are too high for them to afford anything. They end up sharing a single cup of coffee, which they savor and enjoy as if it were a decadent dessert.

Throughout the day, Yuzo and Masako are faced with various challenges and setbacks, including being ripped off by a street vendor and getting lost in the crowded city streets. However, they are determined to make the most of their time together, and eventually stumble upon an empty lot where they can dance and play music to their heart's content.

One of the most striking aspects of One Wonderful Sunday is its depiction of post-war Tokyo. The city is in ruins, and everywhere the couple turns there are reminders of the destruction that has taken place. However, rather than focusing on the devastation, Kurosawa chooses to highlight the resilience and determination of the people living in the city. The film is also notable for its use of a documentary-like style, with scenes shot on location in the streets of Tokyo and featuring real people going about their daily lives.

In terms of its themes, One Wonderful Sunday is a film about hope and resilience, about the ability of two people to find joy and beauty in the most difficult of circumstances. At its heart, the film is a love story, but it is also a portrait of a place and a time, a celebration of the human spirit.

One Wonderful Sunday is not an action-packed or suspenseful film; rather, it is a gentle and contemplative exploration of the human experience. The performances by Numasaki and Nakakita are understated and naturalistic, and the film is beautifully shot in black and white. While it may not be one of Kurosawa's most famous films, One Wonderful Sunday is a touching and heartfelt work that is well worth watching.

One Wonderful Sunday is a 1947 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.