Title from container.

Originally released as a motion picture in 2004.

Based on a true story.

Cinematographer, Yamazaki Yutaka ; editor, Kore-Eda Hirokazu ; music, Gontiti.

Yagira Yuya, Kitaura Ayu, Kimura Hiei, Shimizu Momoko, Kan Hanae.

Keiko is a flaky and irresponsible single mother who sub-contracts all parental duties to her eldest boy, 12-year-old Akira, while taking off for days at a time with various boyfriends. Leaving behind an envelope of cash, one day she simply never comes back, leaving Akira unattended with his little siblings. Akira, his two sisters, Kyoko and Yuki, and their irrepressible younger brother, Shigeru are not quite aware of the horrific implications of their plight. They are accustomed to living with a childlike, erratic parent, who is capable of being funny and generous as well as neglectful. All four of the children have different fathers. Now they have no mother, but they have one another.

MPAA rating: PG-13.Mature thematic elements and some sexual references.

DVD, region 1, widescreen (1.66:1) presentation; stereo surround.

Japanese dialogue, English subtitles; closed-captioned.

Blue Ribbon Awards (Japan), 2005: won 2 awards, for Best Film and Best Director.

Cannes Film Festival (France), 2004: won Best Actor (Yuya Yagira)

Kinema Junpo Awards (Japan), 2005: won 3 awards, for Best Film, Best Supporting Actress (You), and Best New Actor (Yuya Yagira). Also won the Reader's Choice Award for Best Film.