Nobody's Perfect (2013)

A moving Japanese drama about a limbless teacher whose presence in a 5th grade classroom quietly changes everyone around him.

Nobody's Perfect - Movie Information

  • Original Title: だいじょうぶ3組
  • Release Year: 2013
  • Directed by: Ryuichi Hiroki
  • Type: Movie
  • Runtime: 1h 58m
  • Original Language: Japanese
  • Spoken Languages: Japanese
  • Release Date (Theatrical): March 23, 2013 (Japan), September 5, 2013 (South Korea - ALL)
  • Alternative Titles: Daijobu 3 Kumi (JP)
  • Production Companies: Toho Pictures, TOHO, dentsu, J Storm, Kodansha, Yomiuri Shimbun Company, Nippan Group Holdings, GYAO
  • Production Countries: Japan

Nobody's Perfect - Plot

"Daijobu 3 Kumi" depicts the interactions between new teacher Shinnosuke Akao, who was born without arms and legs, and the 28 students in his 5th grade class, told from the vantage point of school board member Yusaku Shiraishi

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Nobody's Perfect - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Ryuichi Hiroki

Main Cast

  • Hirotada Ototake
  • Taichi Kokubun
  • Nana Eikura
  • Hiroki Miyake
  • Kimiko Yo
  • Tomorowo Taguchi
  • Tamae Ando
  • Makiko Watanabe
  • Houka Kinoshita
  • Toshie Negishi

Writers

  • Masato Katō

Producers

  • Masaya Shibusawa

Nobody's Perfect - FAQs

Is Nobody's Perfect based on a true story?

Yes, the film draws inspiration from the real life of Hirotada Ototake, a Japanese author and activist born without arms or legs who became a celebrated figure after publishing his memoir. Ototake himself plays the lead role of teacher Shinnosuke Akao, lending the story an authentic and deeply personal dimension.

Who are the main actors in Nobody's Perfect?

The cast is led by Hirotada Ototake as teacher Akao and Taichi Kokubun as school board member Yusaku Shiraishi. They're joined by Nana Eikura, Hiroki Miyake, Kimiko Yo, Tomorowo Taguchi, Tamae Ando, Makiko Watanabe, Houka Kinoshita, and Toshie Negishi.

What is Nobody's Perfect about?

The film follows Shinnosuke Akao, a new elementary school teacher born without arms or legs, as he navigates life with his 28 fifth-grade students. The story unfolds through the eyes of a school board member and explores themes of inclusion, human dignity, and the transformative power of genuine connection.

How does Hirotada Ototake perform without limbs on screen?

Hirotada Ototake, who was actually born without arms or legs, plays the teacher role himself rather than relying on prosthetics or special effects. His real-life presence gives the film an extraordinary authenticity, making the classroom scenes feel genuinely lived-in rather than dramatized.

Who directed Nobody's Perfect?

Ryuichi Hiroki directed the film. Known for his sensitive, character-driven Japanese dramas, Hiroki brings a warm and observational touch to this story, allowing the emotional dynamics between the teacher and his young students to develop naturally and without sentimentality.

When and where was Nobody's Perfect released?

Nobody's Perfect opened in Japan on March 23, 2013, followed by a South Korean release on September 5, 2013. The film is a Japanese production distributed by Toho, with backing from major partners including Kodansha, dentsu, and J Storm.

What are some films similar to Nobody's Perfect?

If Nobody's Perfect resonated with you, you might enjoy A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016), which also explores disability and empathy in a Japanese school setting, or The Miracle Worker (1962) and Flying Colors (2015) for more stories about transformative teacher-student relationships.

How long is Nobody's Perfect?

Nobody's Perfect runs for 118 minutes, or just under two hours. The runtime gives the film room to breathe, letting the relationships between the teacher, his students, and the school board member develop at a thoughtful, unhurried pace.

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