It's a good example of characterization in film. As long as the characters are crafted nicely, put them in any situation, the film will be as interesting as any award winning film (I said interesting, not as good as!). This film is directed by Daihachi Yoshida with simple or almost without a straight forward story line. The motive is to show high school students' self- searching process. Yoshida just put in a situation, a famous student disappears. Then the interesting characters will just lead the way as it effects every society in the school. Suzuka Ohgo, as Aya Sawashima, is worth notice. She do not have much lines but her expressions is just as full as a full cream milk...

I find Japanese people and their culture very interesting because their social interactions and their humor are so different. They also have a great talent for telling stories that touch you in some way. Maybe that's why I found this movie enjoyable too, even though some would say it's just a highschool teen gossip and drama movie, with all the clichés - from the nerdy guys, to the bitchy girls, to the sports jocks. It does however have quite a lot of charming and heartwarming moments. It's not at all as superficial and "fake" as any comparable movie out of Hollywood. Also there is not any disgusting over-sexualization, which is quite refreshing as well.

I'd say definitely give it a watch, you'll like it.