Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2014

The quietly watchful, sweet-natured title six-year-old is intelligent and perceptive, and virtually ignored by her bickering, divorce-bound parents, neither of which can appreciate what a remarkable little girl they’ve produced. Rarely have I seen a movie on such a downbeat subject that’s so profoundly moving, even optimistic. Julianne Moore and Steve Coogan do their usual spot-on job, but it’s little Onata Aprile as Maisie that sets this movie apart. Her sad-eyed patience is gut-wrenching, and we feel her pain. Required viewing for all parents, as well as anyone even considering parenthood. Japanese title: Maisie no hitomi (99 min)