Nada Sou Sou (Tears for You) is a terrific brother-sister drama from Japanese director Hiroyasu Doi, whose love-beyond-the-grave weepie Be With You (2004) was one of the biggest box-office hits in Japan in recent years.
Just as Be With You left you sad, sniffling and satisfied, Nada Sou Sou promises to do the same. It stars Satoshi Tsumabuki (Bambi-eyed hottie from Water Boys) as a delivery boy who is reunited with his step-sister (the very kawaii Masami Nagasawami) after several years of living apart. They forge a strong sibling bond and are determined to stay by each other's side. But fate conspires to draw them apart and tragedy strikes at the heart of their unconditional love...
Actors Satoshi and Masami make supremely attractive leads — what with their twinkling eyes, glowing complexion and dimpled smiles. But they're not just good-lookers — their performances are also convincing enough to earn them the Japan Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and Best Actress respectively. Unfortunately, neither won.
Like Be With You, Nada Sou Sou thrives on theme of "jun-ai" (pure love), which has become very popular in Japanese cinema. (We're sure Hollywood will pick up the trend sooner or later.) Nada Sou Sou also boasts some of the hallmarks of the earlier film, such as striking visuals, a leisurely pace and good chemistry between the leads.
Anyone who looking for a good romantic weepie should start here.