Sunflower on the Hill (2015)
A tender Japanese drama about memory, friendship, and the summer of 1983 — seen through the eyes of a woman returning home.
Sunflower on the Hill - Movie Information
- Original Title: 向日葵の丘-1983年夏
- Release Year: 2015
- Directed by: Takafumi Ota
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 2h 18m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 22, 2015 (Japan)
- Production Countries: Japan
Sunflower on the Hill - Plot
In 2013, Takako (Takako Tokiwa) looks back upon her youth. In 1983, she was a high school student who spent a lot of time in the theater with her friends. Recalling her past of 1983, she goes back to her hometown.
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Sunflower on the Hill - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Takafumi Ota
Main Cast
- Takako Tokiwa
- Misato Tanaka
- Tomoko Fujita
- Kyoko Yoshine
- Takemi Fujii
- Haruka Momokawa
Writers
- Takafumi Ota
Producers
- Takafumi Ota
Sunflower on the Hill - FAQs
What is Sunflower on the Hill about?
Sunflower on the Hill follows Takako, a woman who in 2013 returns to her hometown and reflects on her teenage years in 1983, when she and her close friends shared formative experiences in a local theater. The film weaves between past and present, exploring memory, friendship, and the passage of time.
Who are the main actors in Sunflower on the Hill?
The film stars Takako Tokiwa as the adult Takako, Misato Tanaka as Midori, Tomoko Fujita as Erika, Kyoko Yoshine as the teenage Takako, Takemi Fujii as the teenage Midori, and Haruka Momokawa as the teenage Erika.
Who directed Sunflower on the Hill?
Sunflower on the Hill was written, directed, produced, and edited by Takafumi Ota, making it a deeply personal creative project. Ota handled nearly every key creative role on the production, giving the film a distinctive, unified artistic vision.
When was Sunflower on the Hill released?
Sunflower on the Hill was released in Japan on August 22, 2015. The film is a Japanese production and received its theatrical debut in its home country during that summer release window.
How long is Sunflower on the Hill?
Sunflower on the Hill has a runtime of 138 minutes, or approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes. The film's generous length allows it to develop its dual timeline narrative and explore the emotional depth of its characters across both 1983 and 2013.
What language is Sunflower on the Hill in?
Sunflower on the Hill is entirely in Japanese. It is a Japanese-language production filmed in Japan, and international viewers will typically watch it with subtitles. The film's original title is 向日葵の丘-1983年夏, which translates roughly to "Sunflower Hill - Summer of 1983."
Is Sunflower on the Hill based on a true story?
Sunflower on the Hill does not appear to be based on a specific true story or documented real events. It is an original drama written by director Takafumi Ota, though its nostalgic portrayal of 1980s Japanese youth culture and small-town life carries a strong sense of personal and cultural authenticity.
Who composed the music for Sunflower on the Hill?
The score for Sunflower on the Hill was composed by Koji Endo, a Japanese composer known for his evocative and emotionally resonant work in film. His music supports the film's reflective, nostalgic tone as it moves between the present day and the summer of 1983.
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