Going West: to the West

The film follows Sakuma Ryu, a liquor store owner in Tokyo, who finds himself living with his son and daughter-in-law after a small fire. Despite their good intentions, Ryu feels out of place and frequently seeks solace with a friend, Kinue. Her unexpected death prompts him to embark on a journey to Matsuyama, where he hopes to reconnect with his past.

Ryu's adventure takes an unexpected turn when he is joined by Shota and a young couple from the future in his Mini Cooper. Their travels between Gifu and Kyoto add layers of complexity and intrigue to Ryu's quest for closure and understanding of his life choices. With a strong ensemble cast featuring Chikage Awashima and Mikio Osawa, this film is a reflection on love, loss, and the passage of time, making it relevant for fans of Japanese cinema.