Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2010

©映画『時をかける少女』製作委員会2010

Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo is one of those stories that refuses to fade from Japanese popular culture. The original novel, by Yasutaka Tsutsui, was serialized in 1965-66 to huge popular acclaim. Since then, there have been two hit TV series, two live-action feature films (plus a made-for-TV one) and a highly regarded anime version. You’d think the story had been sucked dry, but no—it’s been significantly re-imagined here, while holding on to some essential points. Kazuko (Narumi Yasuda) is a scientist who has perfected a time travel drug. When she gets into a car accident, her daughter Akari (Riisa Naka) must travel back to the ’70s to summon someone who can help. But Akari ends up in the wrong time and is stuck with aspiring filmmaker Ryota (Akiyoshi Nakao). Despite being full of cheesy effects that almost seem like a parody of the genre, Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo has a refreshing charm and wholesomeness. English title: The Girl who Leapt Through Time. (124 min)

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