My Sunshine

Directed by Hiroshi Okuyama
Film Movement
2024
90 Minutes
Japan, France
Japanese
Drama, Romance, Sports, Asian, Coming of Age, LGBTQIA2S+
Not Rated
  1. Home
  2. In Theaters
  3. My Sunshine

On a Japanese island, life revolves around the changing seasons. Winter is time for ice hockey at school, but Takuya isn't too thrilled about it. His real interest lies in Sakura, a figure skating rising star from Tokyo, for whom he starts to develop a genuine fascination. Coach and former champion Arakawa, spots potential in Takuya, and decides to mentor him to form a duo with Sakura for an upcoming competition. As winter persists, feelings grow, and the two children form an harmonious bond. But even the first snow eventually melts away.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Hiroshi Okuyama
  • Starring: Sosuke Ikematsu
  • Starring: Keitatsu Koshiyama
  • Starring: Kiara Nakanishi

Where to Watch

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "A lovely wistful movie about two children and their coach as each finds themselves with a life-changing experience over one winter and their shared bond with ice dancing."
    Pete Hammond, Deadline Hollywood
  • "A deceptively sweet little heartwarmer that eventually cuts deeper."
    Allan Hunter, Screen International
  • "As lovely and lilting as hearing Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” over a crackly record player on a snow-flecked day, Japanese filmmaker Hiroshi Okuyama‘s second feature “My Sunshine” is a moving coming-of-age drama about kids facing up to the troubles of adulthood."
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire
  • "Guided by the beauty of the landscape and the nostalgia of childhood, Okuyama constructs a quiet narrative buoyed by an understated charm. "
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter
  • "A gentle, unassuming film about the pain and misdirection that can arise from young love... profoundly moving."
    Robert Daniels, RogerEbert.com
  • "Rarely has figure skating been shown as so pure, poetic and sensual than in My Sunshine, Hiroshi Okuyama’s feature about two young ice dancers and their coach over one winter in a small town in Hokkaido, in Japan."
    Clarence Tsui, South China Morning Post
  • "Beautifully shot... touching...."
    Catherine Bray, Variety
  • "When capturing how elusive true grace can be, “My Sunshine” offers it generously."
    Stephen Saito, Moveable Fest
  • "The performances by the entire cast are charming and authentic, elevated by a lovely score and picturesque cinematography. "
    Anna Miller, Next Best Picture
Nominated
Un Certain Regard Award
Cannes Film Festival
Official Selection
Toronto Int'l. Film Festival
Winner
Taiwan Directors Guild Award
Taipei Film Festival
Winner
Audience Choice Award
Taipei Film Festival
Winner
Special Jury Prize
Taipei Film Festival