Delightful Trailer Drops for the Japanese Coming of Age Ice Skating Drama MY SUNSHINE
Film Movement has released the trailer for My Sunshine, the latest from Japanese filmmaker Hiroshi Okuyama, known for Jesus and The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House.
This delightful-looking film was screened at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and has been quietly winning hearts across the festival circuit.
Set during a tranquil winter on Hokkaido island, the story follows Takuya, a young boy who sees himself as the weakest link on his hockey team, until he becomes mesmerized by Sakura, a gifted figure skater from Tokyo.
Their coach Arakawa, recognizing a bit of himself in Takuya, pairs the two as a competitive duo. As they train and grow closer, emotions deepen, and the lines between partnership and something more begin to blur.
The film stars Sosuke Ikematsu, Keitatsu Koshiyama, and Kiara Nakanishi, and is described as "a heartwarming coming-of-age drama buoyed by its picturesque cinematography and beautiful score."
The official synopsis reads: “One winter on the island Hokkaido, a young boy named Takuya has resigned himself to the fact that he's the worst player on his hockey team. While practicing, he becomes transfixed by the figure skaters who share the ice rink, particularly Sakura, a rising star from Tokyo.
“Her coach, Arakawa, takes an interest in Takuya, seeing himself in the young boy. He pairs the two & trains them as a competitive ice-dancing duo. The two kids eventually grow closer and form a deep bond with their supportive coach.
“But as the winter continues, unspoken feelings begin to surface & the harmony among the trio begins to falter.”
Critics have praised the film film saying, "Guided by the beauty of the landscape and the nostalgia of childhood, Okuyama constructs a quiet narrative buoyed by an understated charm."
My Sunshine opens in select US theaters on September 12th, 2025.