San Diego Asian Film Festival 2008

Based on a popular manga and set in post-war Japan in the late 1950's, rebuilding began in Tokyo where construction of the magnificent Tokyo Tower was underway and houses across the city were acquiring their first washing machines, refrigerators and the most holy of holies--televisions. The story centers around Mr. Chagawa, who dreams of writing the Great Japanese Novel. His dreams are no more deluded than those of Mutsuko, a countryside schoolgirl who thinks she's taken a job with a thriving car manufacturer only to discover that she's working in a one-garage mechanic's shop. Then there's Hiromi who opens a bar down the street and is saddled with the abandoned child of the nightspot's previous owner.

Winner of 13 of Japan's 14 Academy Awards (including "Best Picture," "Best Director," "Best Screenplay," and "Best Actor"), ALWAYS – SUNSET ON THIRD STREET is a movie that guarantees you'll cry at the end, so be prepared for this emotional and visually lavish journey.

Co-presented by
Charles Schwab
Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana