A Yell from Heaven

This is a film inspired by a true story about Hikaru Oshiro, based on the late Hikaru Nakasone, who reaches the hearts of a group of high schoolers who once thought their dreams of being of a professional rock-band was indefinitely impossible. But its way more than that. Its about human decency, respect, encouragement, and successfully lives up to the saying "never give up on your dreams". As soon as the end credits began rolling, my heart felt warm and I found myself deeply moved by Oshiro's philosophy. In my mind, Director Chikato Kumazawa truly created an instant classic that should be watched by every aspiring dreamer out there. Whether you dream of becoming a professional baseball player or an influential architect, this film is a must watch.

This film reminded me of why I love Japanese films in the first place.

— I attended the 3rd Okinawa International Film Festival back in 27 March 2011, where "A Yell from Heaven" was first screened publicly. Judging by the tears that were endlessly rolling down the audiences cheeks, I think this film touched all of our hearts, especially mine.

Nini (Big bro) played by Hiroshi Abe is modeled after an actual person Hikaru Nakasone who modified the lot by his bento factory in Okinawa into a music studio for the local youth.

Hikaru Ooshiro (Hiroshi Abe) is the owner of a local bento catering service. One day he finds three youth from local high school Aya Higa (Nanami Sakuraba), Yuya Makishi (Masato Yano), and Kiyoshi Nakamura (Shuhei Nomura) loitering by his garage talking about what a nice place to practice music. Hikaru without hesitation offers the place for them to practice music. Unfortunately, the garage has no walls, and the next door neighbor came to complain about the noise. Undaunted, Hikaru borrows money from his mother, and starts to build a sound proofed studio on his lot. Aya, Yuya, and Kai joins Hikaru in building the studio. Soon many more students join to build the studio.

Hikaru has ten rules for using the studio. Greet each other, don't flunk the exam, treat equipment with respect, don't go over board, everybody must contribute in the activities, instruct the junior members kindly, no sound after 9 pm, academics first, person in charge must be responsible for the keys, and be a person who understands other people's pain. He goes around promoting Aya's band through his friend who works at the broadcast studio. But Hikaru had his own problem. His cancer was getting worse.

It's a great story, and Hiroshi Abe puts in his usual stellar performance. Not much more to be said. This is one of the best non-fictional movie to come out of Japan. A movie that's worth watching.