Sisterhood kicks off Knickerbocker fall Film Series

First in this semester’s Film Series at the Knickerbocker Theatre is “Our Little Sister,” a poignant Japanese film that focuses on three sisters. The subtitled film opens to sisters Sachi, Yoshino and Chika, who suddenly learn of their estranged father’s death. Their father left their mother for another woman, and then their mother followed suit and ran off with another man, since then they have been living together in their late grandmother’s house.

At the funeral for their father, they meet their 13 year old half-sister Suzu, and immediately the four bond. So much so, that Sachi invites Suzu to come live with the trio in Kamakura. Thus begins this slice of life story, showcasing the sister’s love lives, jobs, journey towards closure and their developing relationship.

The movie is over two hours long, and at points has a slow moving plot, and although the message of the film was buried at times, the ending spelled it out well for viewers: the bonds of sisterhood hold firm.
The connection between the four sisters at times felt a bit shaky and almost obligatory, but then the viewer is reminded time after time through multiple characters’ selfless actions how far these young women are willing to go in support of one another.

While the movie sounds serious, there are humorous parts to alleviate the tone.

This movie is sure to inspire anyone to work on the relationships in their life, whether they have a sister or not.

Even though the showing at the Knickerbocker Theatre for this film has come to an end, I recommend that you seek out this movie.

More films in the series include “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” Oct. 3-8, “Life, Animated” Oct. 10-15, “The Man Who Knew Infinity” Nov. 14-19.