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.
Born in Spain and raised on countless meters of celluloid dreams, I have lived through cinematic memories while surviving the most putrid film swamps. Now, I’ve been granted the chance to write about my dream and nightmare ventures in front of movie screens, right here at Film Combat Syndicate."
