Review of Our Little Sister (2015) by Zacho D — 09 Oct 2015

VIFF Review: Koreeda's latest film is another emotional drama that's both sweet, yet, filled with a tragic past that the sisters in this film cannot let go. Then when attending their father's funeral after 15 years of not seeing him, they meet Suzu, their half-sister for the first time. After they notice Suzu dislikes her mother, they asks her to move in with them and from there, all of their lives are enriched by gaining the little sister that they never had, yet, they are also reminded constantly of their terrible relationship with their father and the things that they have no talked about for several years are painfully brought to life again.

"Our Little Sister" provides us with an intriguing family dynamic that might seem like Science Fiction to some while relating immensely and accurately with others. Either way, it's a beautiful story about overcoming a sad past by bonding with the family you have and moving forward. The characters shine and the slow pace does not come across as tedious, but rather appreciated as we get to spend 128 minutes with these characters as we watch their pain and joy flesh out over the course of the film, giving a very realistic portrayal to the situation that they are in. SEE IT!