119 (1994)
A gentle Japanese comedy-drama about small-town firemen, long-dormant routines, and the chaos one young woman can quietly ignite.
119 - Movie Information
- Original Title: 119
- Release Year: 1994
- Directed by: Naoto Takenaka
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 5, 1994 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Quiet Days of Firemen (US)
- Production Companies: Shochiku, TV Tokyo, Image Factory IM Co. Ltd.
- Production Countries: Japan
119 - Plot
In Harari-cho, a small and quiet bayside town by the sea, the firemen have not seen a fire for nearly twenty years. Each day passes eventlessly... until one day. The monotony of their daily lives is interrupted by the appearance of a beautiful female college student, Momoko, who comes to visit her aunt. After catching a glimpse of Momoko, both Tatsuya and Nobuyuki can't stop thinking about her. Since then, the small town is not so quiet anymore…
Where to Watch 119
Looking for where to watch 119?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
119 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Naoto Takenaka
Main Cast
- Hidekazu Akai
- Kyoka Suzuki
- Naoto Takenaka
- Shinya Tsukamoto
- Yoichi Nukumizu
- Tadanobu Asano
- Ryo Iwamatsu
- Kanji Tsuda
- Natsuo Ishido
- Yoji Tanaka
Writers
- Naoto Takenaka
- Tomomi Tsutsui
- Akio Miyazawa
Producers
- Koji Yoshida
- Renji Tazawa
119 - FAQs
What is 119 about?
119 follows the idle firemen of Harari-cho, a sleepy seaside town that hasn't had a real fire in nearly two decades. Their uneventful routine is shaken up when Momoko, a charming college student, arrives to visit her aunt — and suddenly both Tatsuya and Nobuyuki find themselves hopelessly smitten.
Who directed the 1994 film 119?
119 was directed by Naoto Takenaka, who also stars in the film as Tatsuya Tsuda, one of the lovesick firemen. Takenaka co-wrote the screenplay alongside Tomomi Tsutsui and Akio Miyazawa, making this a deeply personal creative project for him.
Who are the main actors in 119?
The cast includes Hidekazu Akai, Kyoka Suzuki, Naoto Takenaka, Shinya Tsukamoto, Yoichi Nukumizu, and Tadanobu Asano, among others. Kyoka Suzuki plays Momoko, the college student whose arrival sets the whole story in motion.
Is 119 a comedy or a drama?
119 blends both genres — it's a comedy-drama at heart. The film mines plenty of humor from the absurdity of firemen with nothing to do, while also weaving in warmth and genuine emotion as the characters navigate their feelings for the same woman.
When was 119 released in Japan?
119 had its theatrical release in Japan on November 5, 1994. The film was produced by Shochiku, TV Tokyo, and Image Factory IM Co. Ltd., and is also known internationally under the English title Quiet Days of Firemen.
How long is the film 119?
119 runs for 115 minutes, or just under two hours. That runtime gives the film plenty of room to breathe and develop its ensemble of quirky small-town characters at a leisurely, unhurried pace that suits its laid-back comedic tone.
What are some movies similar to 119?
If you enjoyed 119, you might also like Memories of Matsuko (2006), Achilles and the Tortoise (2008), or As the Light Goes Out (2014). For other firefighter-themed films, Ladder 49 (2004) and Roxanne (1987) offer very different but entertaining takes on the profession.
What language is 119 in?
119 is entirely in Japanese, reflecting its origins as a Japanese production. The film is set in a fictional small coastal town in Japan, and its language and cultural sensibility are central to its gentle, distinctly Japanese brand of humor and warmth.
More About 119
Explore further details about this 1994 Japanese comedy-drama on these trusted resources.