JFF Theater: HAVE A SONG ON YOUR LIPS Review: A Moving Ode to Healing Through Music
Yuri, a former professional pianist unable to play again due to unresolved trauma, is assigned as a substitute teacher on the remote island of Goto. Reluctantly, she agrees to lead the local school choir to prepare it for a national competition. As she gets to know her students, each carrying their own unique traumas, Yuri discovers that music can be a path to healing, both for them and for herself.
Based on Taishi Mori’s novel, inspired by the 2009 NHK documentary Greetings to a 15-Year-Old and Angela Aki’s song for the 2008 NHK National School Music Competition, the film unfolds with a serene yet evocative narrative. Its beautiful cinematography mirrors the characters’ inner struggles and triumphs, capturing the tranquil beauty of Goto Island. As the choir unites, the motto “Have a song on your lips and never give up the fight” becomes a powerful symbol of resilience.
This slow-burning, emotional journey crescendos into a hopeful anthem, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas. Stream it for free on JFF Theater until October 31, 2025.
