37 Seconds (2019) User Reviews

A beautiful slice of life

[sxxn_hotmd · 8/10 · 9 February 2020]

By watching just the trailer, I knew right away that this was a must-see.

The story was well told and delivered. The beginning might feel slow but you really felt like you were in the protagonist's shoes. The actors and the story made you feel like you were truly this little vulnerable and day-dreaming, yet curious and adventurous girl. (No spoilers?) Especially when it came to the climax, we all can relate to this kind of 37-second situations in our life. (No spoilers?)

If you like to follow a person's journey through their beautiful life story, this is one you shouldn't miss.

Life choices

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 15 March 2020]

This is a tough watch, but if you don't mind human (and humane) stories, this will float your boat (and/or rock it). This really is about struggles and what life can be about. A girl between family and her dreams/goals. And others who may or may not be taken advantage of her situation.

This is real or at least it feels as real as it can. Which makes it either appealing or appaling to viewers. If you want fancy, you won't get this here. If a bit of exciting themes, but fighting ones demons (and other demons metaphorically speaking) is the main issue here.

Yearning for freedom

[Hombredelfuturo · 8/10 · 7 April 2020]

First I want to say that this and "The forest of love" are Netflix productions and are impressive good. This movie is simple and straightforward but powerful. All is treated so good; that I think is to promote the great spirit of the main character You have great scenes were the camera work just let the action rolls very subtle; good color palette and good acting; very natural. The light; plenty of light and brightness in all the film. You also have couple of underground well known actors doing small gigs. The pace of the story is right and in any moment you feel that a given scene is too long.

Don't Be Afraid

[zer0bit · 9/10 · 29 February 2020]

It's hard for me to write a review with a lot of details because I am also disabled and it takes me a lot of time and energy to do so. That being said, it is not hard for me to sympathize with the struggle Yuma is facing, because I, myself, have to go through a similar experience.

This movie is the definition of why I love Japanese cinema - Their movies are about people, people who actually exist in the real world and no one is talking about them. Families that the majority of us would never get to experience their story otherwise or through another culture.

This movie is about real life, and how a person with disabilities slowly starts to become independent and be a part of the outside world. Obviously, it's not easy for these people, and it's certainly not something they can do by themselves, but the last thing anyone wants in this life is to be treated like a stranger and to be reminded of their "weaknesses".

Disabled people might not have the physical capabilities of a non-disabled person, and they definitely need some support and physical assistance, but apart from that, they're just like everyone else - they need friends, relationships, jobs, education, self-esteem, confidence and most importantly, to be treated like a normal human being. This movie addresses all of that perfectly and I would love to see more like this.

The sweetest voice.

[onze-kris · 10/10 · 5 February 2020]

I only write the occasional review here. I dont do it nearly enough as I feel strongly about film as a medium and a tool to tell a story.

So i asked myself what if this was a book? Would it still work? I asked myself that as I thought of Mei Kayama performance. It is the best performance I have ever seen. It is hard to compare different performances. It is almost like comparing sports.. So one of the reasons why it was so good is that Mei Kayama's sweet voice is perfect for the sweet nature of the girl she portrays. I have a soft spot for coming of age movies. (the best one until this one was Reflecting skin) I really don't want to tell anything more. Well the camerawork and direction is excellent. They catch the right moments. I found the short scene were the camera was far away and Mei was having a talk with "the driver" was fantastic. Why I won't tell you. You 'll have to see it for yourself.

Anyway to answer my original question? Like forest of love ,which has quite the opposite form of acting, the movie is the better medium to tell the story. Sometimes a performance is so great that under the right direction no book can equal it.

A rating of ten can't be based on a single performance in a movie. There is also story, camerawork, director, other cast members. So mei's performance is perfect for me. the whole movie revolves about Mei's coming of age. and the entire cast, story, every detail revolves about that. There is not a second wasted (pun not intended)

The picture that Mei drew was perfect and I cant wait to see other work from her (this was her debut) The director/writer is one to watch too. However she has set a really high standard for herself with this. And a movie half as good as this would still be dsmn close to perfect. So i hope she (Hikari) continues to make movies like that or will be able to tell other stories with no waste. I think For Hikari the film is also about talking about people with disabilities. This is an issue in almost every culture not Japan alone though. Hikari managed to talk about it in such a way that we saw Yuma in the beginning as a wheelchair bound weak person very much because we (society,family/her mother) put her there.. And thus the director portrays Yuma like that. However at the end we see a different Yuma . the transformation is subtle. Yuma is still Yuma. Nothing feels out of place. So wlell dome director hats of... While not as spectacular visual transformation like in a david lynch movie . where the transformation is so big there is even a different actor the transformation of yuma before or eyes is nothing short of impressive.. how it all changes... well you have to watch movie. l

All over the place

[sanwolfx · 6/10 · 16 December 2022]

The film touches on a lot of issues concerning disability, but does very little with each of them before jumping to the next one. And then, towards the second half, the movie changes direction to focus on Yuma's complicated family history rather than her personal struggles; it feels as a contrived pretext to not really answer the questions of the first half about love and sex, but just say "she reconciled with her mom, so everything is fine".

Annoyingly, most of the conflict in the film is resolved by the fact that Yuma is a very talented artist, kind of wealthy, pretty, kind, and well-adjusted to be independent. So the moment she makes some good friends, it seems like all her troubles disappear. It's one of those cases where the story looks as if it's centered around social issues, but in reality it's more about the character dealing with mental barriers, and once those are overcome the film forgets about all the systemic problems which are still there.

And then, the friends she gets sort of fall out of the sky, and immediately decide to take care of her for no apparent reason; they are the nicest, most supportive, and least judgemental people in the world. So again, the film takes the easy way out and avoids dealing with any of the problems people with disabilities encounter in more realistic, flawed friendships.

A real gem

[richardscook-642-706516 · 9/10 · 21 February 2020]

I had just finished a hectic shift at 1am and needed something to fall asleep to. I don't watch a lot of Japanese cinema so I figured this would be a good choice. Bad choice! It was so good, I stayed awake and watched the whole thing! Mei Kayama in the main role is SUPERB, as is her mother. The other actors play their respective parts very well too, but the relationship between Yuma (Mei) and her mother (Misuzu Takada) is just sensational. The movie is about a young woman with cerebral palsy who is told to get some life experience in order to strengthen her art. She accepts the challenge with both hands and tries to do the things any 23 year old woman would do, but it sometimes doesn't work out for her the way she would like due to her disability. Mei is a super cute actress and very talented. This really was a very unique and insightful film. Very touching, very innocent, very inspiring. Definitely worth a watch. It's currently on Netflix in the USA and Canada if you have a a subscription.

Could be better

[severajaaho · 6/10 · 23 February 2020]

A film with interesting and original themes, suberb acting, beautiful and creative filmography is unfortunately flawed due to its incomplete and not well implemented script. Have not seen many films which have the protagonist as a disabled person and that can express such things as sexuality and oppression from that point of view in a way that really raise awareness on this issue while also being mature and emotional.

The first two thirds of the film were some of the best drama in the last few years with good pacing and creative screenplay and really good acting, but the story completely loses its focus at the end.

Need to view this one!

[jsroach-03838 · 9/10 · 26 May 2020]

I'm not sure if any movie can be a perfect 10 but for what this film is, it's pretty close!!

The best thing to do is just watch this uniquely sad and happy film! Some of u may dislike it while others will love it!!

This movie was fantastic to me, based on how well the amateur actors performed, the overall story, and the subtle roller coaster ride of emotions it displays!!

A remarkable film

[afshan-99902 · 14 February 2020]

This film is simple but well made. The characters were portrayed with such intricacy. It is almost 3:00 am and I do not regret watching this film instead of studying. The acting and the cast is top notch. I found myself crying more than I anticipated.

37 seconds

[marmar-69780 · 6/10 · 8 February 2020]

37 seconds is a very sweet film to watch and being japanese one it just helped it,our lead is one of cutest and innocent characters i saw in a long time and her journey through entire film was told in a good way mixed with solid and insparing story and nice performances,while first act of a film was a really nice and cute and that progresses through second one and everything was still very good,but in third one i lost interest little,i felt that film put to much family drama and history that didnt metter in bigger picture,it would be better if film entirely focused on leads journey to become manga artist and avoid family staff and that would make film better

Don't Treat Me Like I'm Broken

[spasek · 9/10 · 27 April 2020]

Yuma Takada is a 23-year-old woman who suffers from cerebral palsey. However, she is also an extremely talented manga artist and writer. An arrangement is made with her friend, as they publish a well-known manga series, but her friend, Sayakara gets all of the credit (despite not being an artist or a writer) even though Yuma gets some payment for the job.

Yuma lives with her loving but overprotective mother who treats her more like a 10-year-old. She doesn't like Yuma going out on her own or wearing dresses as "there are too many creeps out there."

Having had enough of the oppressive lifestyle where she is used and abused, she attempts to fight for her independence. Finding some discarded adult manga books, she calls the various publishers to find out if they have job-openings. She's called into the offices of one, asking that she submit her work. Having had no sexual experiences of her own, Yuma's asked to come back when she has some so that her stories will be more authentic and realistic.

Yuma tries in vain to acquire some sexual experiences by going down to the red-light district on her own. Of course, things don't go as she planned, but she does meet a high-priced escort in Mai, who encourages her to live and enjoy life. Mai ends up being Yuma's window of opportunity toward a life of freedom as she is arguably the first person to treat her as a normal human being.

This drives a deeper and wider wedge between Yuma and her mother, who finds out what Yuma has been doing. Yuma eventually runs away but is taken in by Toshi, Mai's driver. Yuma decides to try and find the father that she never knew, and in doing so, finds yet another family member she had no knowledge of. This also gives the viewer the answer to the significance of 37 seconds, which is revealed in a beautiful scene.

People are often uncomfortable when dealing with people with disabilities, not realizing that they are people just like anyone else. They have the same thoughts, dreams, feelings, and goals. But most people treat them as though they are broken. We end up cheering for Yuma as she fights for her own freedom with as much determination as when she's forced to crawl across the floor in order to get from one place to another. The point is, she can do it. She can do many things if people would simply give her the opportunity.

This is one of the most delightful films I've seen in a while that is completely character-driven. Actress Mei Kayama gives us a Yuma who as the voice of pure sweetness and the heart of a lion. She doesn't want protection. She wants to live and be who she is, and who has the right to keep her (or anyone!) from fulfilling her goals?

The film iis heartfelt, but it isn't bogged down in melodrama or at risk of being too sentimental because the goal isn't to make the viewer feel sorry for Yuma. The goal is to make the viewer cheer Yuma on, and writer-director Hikari gives us that kind of a movie.

Living with cerebral palsy

[DogePelis2015 · 7/10 · 28 February 2021]

A good and moving story; besides, the main actress is very good; I highly recommend it.

Disappointing

[keikoyoshikawa · 3/10 · 15 February 2020]

As much as I would have liked to give this movie more stars, I just couldn't.

The reasons? Basically, the story is too bland and meandering to overcome the otherwise very interesting subject matter - a disabled woman seeking love. Had the movie been more focused and provide some kind of resolution or denouement (or even lack thereof with some well-told ambiguity), it would have been a much better film.

The acting is good, however. So there's that. But it's let down by less than stellar directing and writing.

This is a 10 - Beautiful, dramatic, emotional film.

[info-5918 · 10/10 · 29 June 2020]

I've reviewed 41 movies for IMDB over the space of 10 years...this is my only 10.

37 seconds is a beautiful, emotional movie, a wonderful story of a determined girl to do things she wanted to do, breaking out of her comfort zone, and how she deals with the challenges of the life she lives. Its a wonderful story of the challenges of parenthood, and dealing a daughter with special needs. Absolutlely incredible movie... probably cried in this movie more than any other. Completely underated, one of Japan's best.

Extremely well done story telling

[tpauljohnson · 10/10 · 8 February 2020]

I could feel everything Yuma was going through. It wasn't spelled out for the audience like most movies. This is a testament to the acting, directing and writing. It's ironic that Mei Kayama, the star of the movie, gets third billing in the cast, much like her disabled character.

Brilliant

[pauliewalnuts-49356 · 10/10 · 15 July 2021]

I'd never heard of this film but added it to my list on Netflix anyway...I'm extremely glad I did!

A beautifully shot film that makes you laugh and cry!

The highlight of this film for me though is the acting of the actress who plays the main character Yuma...quite possibly one of the greatest performances I've ever seen,,That may sound overdramatic,but I'm struggling to think of when I've ever seen a better performance than that.

I would really highly recommend this movie for everyone to see.

Wow, this was nothing short of phenomenal...

[paul_haakonsen · 10/10 · 18 September 2020]

I stumbled upon "37 Seconds" (aka "37 sekanzu") on Netflix. I hadn't even heard about the movie prior to finding it on Netflix, and it being an Asian movie that I hadn't already seen was actually more than sufficient to make me want to watch it. But the movie's synopsis most definitely also won me over.

And I just finished the movie now. And color me impressed. This movie was phenomenal in many ways.

First and foremost, the storyline and plot was just so well-written and directed by Hikari. It is the type of story that sucks you in and takes you along on a very emotional and powerful journey through the life of a woman with cerebral palsy, whom is exploring her own independence and sexuality. But what is really great about "37 Seconds" is that the movie is told from the woman's point of view. And director Hikari definitely was good at keeping the audience enthralled and entranced with the storyline.

And the performances in the movie were simply spectacular. It is not without good reason that newcomer actress Mei Kayama won an award for this movie. I was really amazed with her talent and her passion that just radiated from her on the screen. She has so much charisma and natural talent. I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of her work in the future. But also the actress that played the mom put on a very memorable performance.

It was really good that director Hikari didn't succumb to making the movie about sympathy for the main character, which would have been the easy route to take for a movie such as this. But instead, the movie is about the life choices, the hardships of her disability and relationship with her mom, and of her coming of age and finding herself and her sexuality. This was, essentially, a movie about growth and independence, that transcends disability or not.

"37 Seconds" is a movie that is every bit driven by character development and growth as it is driven by its powerful storyline. And that is a very reward experience on the screen, because it makes for some very wholehearted entertainment.

Even if you are not keen on watching Japanese movies, then you should definitely take the time to sit down and watch "37 Seconds", because it is a very moving story, and it is a movie that will stick with you for a long, long time after the movie has ended.

I am rating "37 Seconds" a sure ten out of ten stars. This is a very memorable movie in my opinion, and definitely one of the brighter moments in Japanese cinema.

The best film i have seen!!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[balticthor · 10/10 · 22 February 2020]

Its an hour since the film is over.. and i just cant stop thinking about it!!!

Fearless

[conrad_laurie · 10/10 · 9 February 2020]

A fearless and strong young woman shows us that strength is so much more than meets the eye. She also shows us what it's like to live in a world of average people who tend to allow fear to guide them.

See the world through the eyes of someone else. This movie offers such an opportunity. An absolutely beautiful and amazing story that unfolds slowly and tenderly. It is 100% worth the watch.

A triumph!

[undeaifost · 10/10 · 7 February 2020]

This is the only movie in my life that kept my eyes in tears from start to finish! God really exists! This movie is a proof!

Superb

[Chuck_EM · 9/10 · 12 August 2022]

I think I see about one film every year or two that's really good, and this is the one for this year (for me anyway). It's a really well written story about disabilities, family, and friendships. I have never seen a film so well directed. One part reminds me of some anime where you see the occasional three-second shots of perfectly framed scenery.

Crikey

[bitlordmancmail · 10/10 · 28 June 2021]

Been a minute since a film blew me away but this is excellent. Cinematography, editing, music, some really effective use of cg and acting - particularly the lead are on point. It's a very moving and very fun look at a pivotal moment in someone's life which puts you in their shoes. Won't say any more just watch it - It's streaming on Netflix in the UK - Japanese with subtitles.

absolutely incredible.

[koolkathy-30288 · 10/10 · 2 July 2020]

This movie made me SOB so many times. it's so moving and powerful and freaking good every step of the way. they do a great job at making us care about the main character and all of the dynamics of her life. if you know what it's like to be othered or ostracized on a deeper level than most people you will relate to many of the tender moments in this film. i wish more people would watch this so they can understand that people with disabilities are just like everyone else and they have lives and hopes and dreams.

she took me on a journey

[mycoffeemug · 8/10 · 2 January 2021]

What a remarkable movie. The story was told so well and successful that viewers like me are taken into the journey with Yuma. The whole film was just super successful in telling the story of a young woman with Cerebral Palsy, portrayed Buy a real life girl with the same condition. It was heartbreaking and heart warming. i recommend