The Online Reporters:
NAGISA

Nagisa, 12 years old, experiences the Japan of the 60's for an entire summer - one, that she will never forget. Nagisa is at the end of childhold, at the beginning of puberty, and thus, a new part of her life begins.
The director Masaru Konuma proved to be very just when dealing with this complex issue. In a clear and realistic manner, he depicts the curiousity but also the unsecurity, with which Nagisa explores her new experiences: She finds new friendships, with girls as well as with guys, she earns her first money and her exterior is becoming increasingly important.
Nagisa lives through happy and sad moments: She has a lot of fun, but was disappointed und has to suffer from a heavy setback.
Sure, this issue is explored by many movies and "Nagisa" is not one, that approaches it an entirely new way - but that does not necessarily have to be! How much did some scenes touch me, how often was able to relate to the good leading actress Madoka Matsuda... The movie did touch me, without being sentimental. Masaru Konuma tells the story of a girl and of a special summer, without the kitsch and the excessive dramaticism.
Unfortunately however, Madoka Matsuda (Nagisa) is one of the few convincing actors in this movie!
I can recommend "Nagisa", the first children film of Masaru Konuma since 12 years, to children as well as to adolescents as well as to adults - because they will maybe remember that summer, that Nagisa lives through...

Lukas Macher