The Blue Bird (2008)
Original title: 青い鳥
The Blue Bird is a 2008 Japanese-language drama movie directed by Kenji Nakanishi, with a running time of 1h 45m. It stars Hiroshi Abe, Kanata Hongo and Ayumi Ito.
Higashigaoka Junior High School is in turmoil as one of the pupils, Noguchi, who had been bullied, attempted suicide last term. On the first day of the new term, a substitute teacher arrives to take the second year class. When the teacher, Murauchi (Hiroshi Abe), introduces himself, the pupils are surprised by his stutter. He has a speech impediment. Unable to speak eloquently, Murauchi faces his pupils with ‘words of truth’. His first instruction to the pupils is to return Noguchi’s desk and chair to the original place in the classroom. Every morning Murauchi greets the empty desk, “Good morning, Noguchi.” This causes a ripple beyond the classroom and among other teachers and parents, but Murauchi will not stop doing it. Eventually the day comes when Murauchi must leave.
Quick answers
What is The Blue Bird about?
Higashigaoka Junior High School is in turmoil as one of the pupils, Noguchi, who had been bullied, attempted suicide last term. On the first day of the new term, a substitute teacher arrives to take the second year class. When the teacher, Murauchi (Hiroshi Abe), introduces himself, the pupils are surprised by his stutter. He has a speech impediment. Unable to speak eloquently, Murauchi faces his pupils with ‘words of truth’. His first instruction to the pupils is to return Noguchi’s desk and chair to the original place in the classroom. Every morning Murauchi greets the empty desk, “Good morning, Noguchi.” This causes a ripple beyond the classroom and among other teachers and parents, but Murauchi will not stop doing it. Eventually the day comes when Murauchi must leave.
When was The Blue Bird released?
The Blue Bird was released on 29 November 2008.
How long is The Blue Bird?
The Blue Bird runs 1h 45m.
Who made The Blue Bird?
The Blue Bird was directed by Kenji Nakanishi.
Cast
- Hiroshi Abe as Mr. Murachi
- Kanata Hongo as Shinichi Sonobe
- Ayumi Ito as Ms. Shimazaki
- Hajime Inoue as Mr. Ishino
- Osamu Shigematu as Mr. Miyazaki
- Hiroyuki Kishi as Mr. Koizumi
- Taiga Nakano as Inoue Takeshi
- Tsugumi Shinohara as Takagi Sunae
- Riho Takada as Chiba Reika
- Hiroto Itô as Maekawa Shugo
- Moe Karasawa as Ozawa Eri
- Yuko Araki as Katayama Mai