This film delivers a powerful and poignant exploration of love, acceptance, and the pain of family loss. I feel completely overwhelmed! Following the passing of his wife, Kenzaburo (Lily Franky) and his son Toshi (Ryô Nishikido) receive an astonishing letter from the local temple's abbot. In it, Akiko, their beloved wife and mother, requests that her ashes be scattered at her cherished childhood spot - Lake Windermere in England. Initially, father and son clash over how to proceed with this unexpected wish. However, they, along with Toshi's wife Satsuki and their young daughter Emi, ultimately embark on a journey from Tokyo to England to honor Akiko's last request.

Director Patrick Dickinson skillfully guides us through Akiko's memories on this path toward healing and understanding!

The acting and the cinematography were both stunning, capturing a whirlwind of emotions beautifully!

This movie came out of the blue, I was totally unaware of it. The only hook for me was Ciarán Hinds, my being Irish. I actually only became aware of it today 25/09/24, whcih is a shame.

I downloaded it and watched it the same night, what a wonder to behold.

I do not know the Japanese actors as I seldom watch Japanese movies. As mentioned before Ciarán was the hook, I've yet to see him in something bad. Brilliant hook.

Within 5 minutes I was engrossed, even though I had to use subtitles. The pacing of the scenes and the dialogue, gives the viewer the chance to garner what is being said, without taking away from the actual scene, as most modern movies do. That's the tech out of the way.

This movie stirs emotions that even a stone could feel. I figured out the probable diagnosis was. I should say, I'm only half way through the movie, and I know I'll be there at the end.

The love between the two main actors is experctly portrayed by both sets of actors, young and old. The director should be applauded for their sensitive direction. It could have been mushy, it wasn't, it was just right.

I'm looking forward to the ending, even though I surmise what it might be. I could be surprised, and is that a bad thing?