Hankyu Densha (2011 Film)
Hankyu Densha (Japanese: 阪急電車 片道15分の奇跡) is a 2011 Japanese drama film directed by Yoshishige Miyake. The screenplay was written by Yoshikazu Okada, based on the 2007 novel of the same name by Hiro Arikawa. The film, distributed by Toho, was released in Japan on April 29, 2011.
Plot
The story follows the lives of various passengers who commute on the Hankyu Railway Imazu Line, which connects the cities of Nishinomiya and Takarazuka in Hyogo Prefecture. The narrative explores the personal challenges of several individuals, including Shoko, an office worker dealing with a recent breakup, and a college student struggling with a difficult relationship. As these commuters share the 15-minute journey, their lives intersect and evolve through their interactions.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast including:
- Miki Nakatani as Shoko Takase
- Erika Toda as Misa Morioka
- Nobuko Miyamoto as Tokie Hagiwara
- Kaho Minami as Yasue Ito
- Tetsuji Tamayama as Ryuta Toyama
- Ryo Katsuji as Keiichi Kosaka
- Mitsuki Tanimura as Miho Kentahara
- Kasumi Arimura as Etsuko Kadota
- Mana Ashida as Ami Hagiwara
- Yu Koyanagi as Katsuya
Production and Reception
Principal photography for the film began in December 2010. The source novel by Hiro Arikawa was recognized by the Japanese literary magazine Da Vinci, which nominated it as the best romantic novel of 2007. The film was screened at the 2011 Okinawa International Movie Festival and the 2011 Busan International Film Festival.
The film received several accolades, including the Best Supporting Actress award for Nobuko Miyamoto at the 36th Hochi Film Awards and the Best Newcomer award for Mana Ashida at the 54th Blue Ribbon Awards.
