Ever missed out on a great Japanese film because you can't understand the language? With "Go!" this won't be a problem. The debut work of writer-director Mitsuhiko Yazaki is among those rare Japanese movies to have English subtitles.
In January 1999, the film's script won Yazaki the Sundance/NHK International Filmmakers Award, which helps up-and-coming filmmakers take their screenplays to the screen.
The award was established in 1995 by NHK Enterprises 21, NHK and the Sundance Institute, a nonprofit organization founded by Robert Redford. Applicants are divided according to region -- North America, Latin America, Europe and Japan -- and one winner is selected from each. Past recipients have included Rodrigo Garcia, for "Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her," and Walter Salles, for "Central Station."
In "Go!" a nondescript 17-year-old Tokyo high schooler called Kosuke, who works part-time as a pizza-delivery boy, falls in love at first sight with Reiko, an older photographer.
Their first meeting isn't auspicious, as Kosuke bumps into her and breaks her expensive camera lens. Though he can't possibly afford to replace the lens, Kosuke promises that he will deliver Reiko delicious homemade pizza to make up for it.
Things become less simple, however, when Reiko moves 1,200 km back to her hometown of Nagasaki. Kosuke resolves to live up to his promise by heading off for Nagasaki on a tiny scooter he "borrows" from work to deliver his pizza to her. And so the journey begins . . .
As well as being great fun, the movie gives viewers a whole new perspective on contemporary Japanese youngsters. Though Kosuke, like many of his generation, starts off disinterested in most things -- from school and work to love and friendship -- his accidental encounter with Reiko prompts him to rethink and transform from an apathetic boy into a determined man.