The movie tells the story of Masanao, an elementary school student, and Kikujiro, a middle-aged older man, who go on a journey to find Masanao’s mother.
Kikujiro is a seemingly rough, roguish and disheveled uncle, but in reality he has a soft and kind heart. He gradually opens himself up and reconciles with his past during the journey, and redeems himself as well as Masanao.
Masuo is a seemingly well-behaved, innocent and carefree child, but in reality he is profoundly lonely and wounded. He encounters all kinds of difficulties and setbacks during his journey, but instead of giving up, he becomes optimistic and cheerful with the help of Kikujiro and others.
1999 / Japan / Drama Comedy / Takeshi Kitano / Takeshi Kitano Yusuke Sekiguchi
Summer vacation arrives, and Masao (Yusuke Sekiguchi), a third-grade student who lost his father at a young age and now lives with his grandmother, is particularly bored during the summer.
He takes out a letter his mother sent back from overseas and prepares to visit her in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, all by himself.
When a neighboring aunt (Kashiko Kishimoto) finds out, she decides to help Masuo fulfill his wish.
She gives Masuo a sum of money to pay for the trip and arranges for her idle husband, Kikujiro (Takeshi Kitano), to accompany him on his journey to find his mother.
However, on the first day, Kikujiro loses all the money given to him by his wife, so the two of them have to walk to Aichi.
After hitchhiking and getting into trouble along the way, Kikujiro finally takes Masuo to his mother’s house, but the boy is very frustrated.
On the way back, Kikujiro tries to comfort him, and the two have a great time as the summer passes.
