Original Title: 檸檬のころ | Lemon no Koro | The Graduates
Release: 2007
Country: Japan
Director: Yuki Iwata
Running Time: 117 Min.
Cast: Nana Eikura | Mitsuki Tanimura | Naojirô Hayashi | Tasuku Emoto | Hoshi Ishida
Written by Miguel Douglas
Published: 07.24.08
Based off the novel by author Miho Toshima, Lemon no Koro follows a group of high school seniors who must deal with not only the future of their educational careers, but also the future of their personal relationships. Directed by first time director Yuki Iwata, Lemon no Koro is a bittersweet tale of loss and friendship.
Lemon no Koro opens to the narration of two students against the backdrop of classroom scenery, with the students questioning each other about the origins of their school song. We soon find out that these two student are Kayoko Akimoto (Nana Eikura)—who is torn between leaving for a university in Tokyo or staying behind—and Kei Shirata (Mituski Tanimura)—a music enthusiast who wants to review music as a living. Both become entangled in relationships that they don’t seem to understand, yet they know their final decisions will affect them the rest of their lives.
Lemon no Koro is a very heartwarming film about one’s last days in high school, and the ensuing confusing that encompasses what one will do after the graduation ceremony is over and it’s time to enter the adult world. The characters of Kayoko and Kei resonant this particular notion so well, it’s really enjoyable to watch. Stemming from being just classmates, to eventually forming a friendship, the two develop a bond as they both go through the hardships of being in relationships that are very fragile, more so than ever with the conclusion of high school arriving. These hardships happen to be boys; with Kayoko effectively showing the emotional strain of potentially leaving for Tokyo without ever truly confessing her love to her friend Takumi. On the other hand, we have the cheerful Kei who believes she has found her match in musician Kazuya, but can’t muster up the courage to show it. These two different, yet quite similar characters are what drive the film.
I do have to say though that the cinematography in this film is absolutely wonderful. The gentleness of the films story rally shines through its visuals. Since this film takes place primarily within the confines of a school, the immersive nature of the film is highly amplified through its minimalistic approach to scenery; packed hallways, empty classrooms, and school festivals all add to the presence of the film. As a first time director, Yuki Iwata shoots Lemon no Koro with careful attention to show that the world the characters live in is not entirely different than our own. The films rather intimate moments between the characters are also nicely shot—from the simple act of walking down the street with someone Kei likes, to the way Kayoko addresses a friend on the train—each scene seemed to take notice of the little things that occur within these moments.
Given the fact that the film is near the two hour mark, I would have liked to have seen a little more development into how these relationships came to be. We are given substantial time for development, but never truly reach the apex of what could’ve been. I also found the abundant time given to the story of Kayoko a little unfair, given that Kei’s story is just as interesting, and in some respects, more entertaining throughout.
Overall, Lemon no Koro is a beautifully shot film with great acting. The direction by Yuki Iwata is considerably well thought out and shows her ability to deliver a story than can be as engaging as it is basic, never letting the characters become entirely too reliant on one another. Perhaps more time given for character development would’ve made the film increasingly more memorable, but for it stands now, Lemon no Koro is a film that delivers an exceptional story about the uncertainty of one’s future.
