Director: Yoshinari Nishikori
2010, Japan, 130 min.
“Find the work that you love.” This advice, given to Tsutui Hajime by his mother, sets the overall theme of Railways. After a quick succession of life altering experiences, Tsutui reevaluates his life. Has he been true to himself or just living up to societal expectations? Tsutui decides to leave his job in Tokyo and pursue his childhood dream of becoming a train conductor in his rural hometown. Now the 49-year-old business executive faces a new set of the obstacles as he starts over in a job normally pursued by candidates half his age. Railways is a gentle movie with a gentle soundtrack, combining the rhythms of the train with ambient sounds of nature. It also combines beautiful panoramic cinematography with intimate storytelling about realizing your dreams before it’s too late.
