Being Good 18

きみはいい子(Kimi wa iiko)

Tasuku (Kengo Kora) is a new primary school teacher struggling to deal with his class who is constantly on the receiving end of concerns from the children’s overly-protective parents. Despite feeling out of his depth, when he discovers that one of his pupils is being abused by their parents, he decides that he must do something to help. Meanwhile in the same city, Masami (Machiko Ono), a woman who appears to be a good mother, can’t help lashing out at her own child.

Director Mipo O (The Light Shines Only There) returns to this year’s programme with her latest film, a heart-wrenching portrayal of isolated people caught in downward spirals which also shows how simple acts of kindness can blossom and make a difference in someone’s life. This film was awarded the NETPAC Jury Prize at the 37th Moscow International Film Festival.

With introduction by Dr Kate E Taylor-Jones

Senior Lecturer in East Asian Studies, University of Sheffield.