Cast
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Kenichi Matsuyama
as Toru
Yu Aoi
as Ai Takazawa
Sosuke Ikematsu
as Koichi Sunaga
Sakura Ando
as Yuri Nakagawa
Renji Ishibashi
as Hisao Nozawa
Isao Natsuyagi
as
Kaoru Kobayashi
as Isao Nagamine
Etsushi Toyokawa
as Goro Tada
Hirofumi Arai
as Satoshi Nakagawa
Hisashi Igawa
as Bunji
Toru Nakamura
as Takashi Asakura
Eisaku Yoshida
as
Yoshie Ichige
as Kane Takano
Fumi Dan
as Sumire Nagamine
Taro Suruga
as Taichi Nishimura
Crew
Director
- Daisaku Kimura
Producer
- Kaoru Matsuzaki
- Taichi Ueda
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Climbing to Spring examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Daisaku Kimura brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Climbing to Spring took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 116 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 168 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 76 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Climbing to Spring shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Shoot to Kill, which focuses more on action than character development, Climbing to Spring offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Kundun and Between Mountain and Shore explore similar territory, Climbing to Spring stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 14, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Revenue: $800,000
