Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2011

©ホームカミング製作委員会

The Japanese media have repeatedly lamented the graying of the country’s population, portraying the trend in a negative light. So it’s refreshing to have a film that celebrates the community of senior citizens. Homecoming stars 64-year-old comedian and TV personality Junji Takada as a recent retiree who returns to his hometown, where the average age of the locals is 69. Far from relegating himself to “deciding where he’ll be buried,” Tokita gets involved in the community and hooks up with a cast of local eccentrics. The focus of everyone’s attention is a young and beautiful policewoman (Reina) who once had a relationship with Takada’s son (Sota Aoyama). Somewhat improbably, the local seniors fight crime, find lost children and, in the end, organize a festival to revitalize the community. While the humor is corny, the gestures overly sentimental, and the scenarios absurd, Homecoming has such a warmth of feeling and genuine respect for simple pleasures that it’s impossible not to like. (105 min)