Firefly Dreams

Ichiban Utsukushii Natsu (literally, "The Greatest Summer") is a Japanese film that was released in 2001. We attended a free screening at CSULB yesterday courtesy of the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden.

The film, which was renamed Firefly Dreams for U.S. audiences, is a quietly beautiful independent film directed by John Williams. The nostalgic unspoiled scenery of Japan is a backdrop for the emancipation struggles of a rebellious urban teenager. The film provides a glimpse of contemporary Japan, exploring the difficult themes of aging and youth, rural and urban life, and the complexities of relationship through culturally specific symbolism, "mind to mind" communication, and exquisite cinematography.

We highly recommend this movie to those interested in Japanese art and culture. English subtitles.