Based on Keigo Higashino's 2012 novel of the same name, “The Miracles of the Namiya General Store” is the first of two adaptations of Higashino's book, the second being Han Jie's “Namiya” starring Jackie Chan. Hiroki's cinematic take on this intricately woven tale is presented wonderfully thanks to some strong performances and a carefully structured narrative.
The Miracles of the Namiya General Store is screening at Japan Society
For many years, Yuuji Namiya (Toshiyuki Nishida) answered letters from strangers asking for advice and left his responses in the milk box outside his general store. Now, in 2012, Atsuya (Ryosuke Yamada), Shota (Nijiro Murakami), and Kohei (Kanichiro Sato), take refuge in the abandoned shop while on the run from the law. The arrival of a letter in the dead of night prompts the trio into leaving, yet they're unable to get away from the run-down shop. By deciding to respond to the letter, they add their chapter to a story spanning generations, which involves individuals closely linked to the Namiya General Store.
If you're one for tightly written stories that wrap up nicely with a bow on top, then “The Miracles of the Namiya General Store” is for you. The sprawling narrative is filled with conveniences and coincidences that are sure to come across as far-fetched and even a little predictable to some. However, if you let the film take you for a ride and buy into some of it's more non-sensical elements, it's thoroughly enjoyable. ‘Miracles' is in the title after all.
The story is presented in vignettes with each one telling the tale of someone who once sought advice, or knew someone that did, from Yuuji Namiya. Each narrative is interesting in its own right, though some are far more developed than others. A segment following Katsuro Matsuoka's music career, for example, is given a lot more time than one that presents Meiko Kawabe's troubles with her mother. All the stories are framed as flashbacks that play out as the boys in the store continue to respond to letters asking for advice.
Seeing each of the plot threads come together like individual puzzle pieces is immensely satisfying, particularly once the complete picture is revealed. It no doubt would have been challenging to adapt Higashino's scattered story, so screenwriter Hiroshi Saito deserves an awful lot of credit for structuring the narrative in a clear and cohesive manner. This is despite the sometimes unnecessarily overt dialogue that explains revelations the audience has likely already figured out.
The various narrative threads range in their quality, with there being a notable lull during the middle chunk of the movie. Here, the pacing drops off, and it isn't quite clear in which direction the story is going. This issue isn't helped by the fact that, for a large portion of the film, we know little to nothing about Atsuya, Shota, or Kohei, which, while necessary for the plot, does make it difficult to stay engaged given how much screen time they're given.
Taking away Mr Namiya's letters of advice and the more fantastical elements of the story, the film is very humanistic in its messages and themes. The plot explores how people's actions, no matter how small they may be, can have a profound and potentially positive impact on others' lives. It considers the paths people take in life and how a decision at one point in time can drastically change where you end up decades later. This approach means that “The Miracles of the Namiya General Store” is a rather ponderous movie, but also one that is generally optimistic in its outlook on life.
The feature relies on a large ensemble, and fortunately, no one puts a toe out of place. Kento Hayashi and Machiko Ono, in particular, take on characters whose stories span over several years, and their performances evolve as the film goes on. A stand out too is Toshiyuki Nishida as the kindly Yuuji Namiya himself. Playing a somewhat melancholic figure, Nishida brings warmth to Mr Namiya who is rightfully the heart and soul of the movie.
Atsuhiro Nabeshima's cinematography tells a story within itself, as the lighting shifts between the different eras to make it clear which period of time we're watching. The warm and sunny hues surrounding the Namiya General Store in the late sixties are a far cry from the bleak way it is presented decades later. The costuming too helps us quickly identify what narrative we're following, which is incredibly useful in a plot that time-hops as much as this one.
Hiroki puts his directorial stamp on the project with some distinct touches that elevate the already engrossing source material. There are several moments where the director isn't afraid to let a shot sit for a while as we take in a quiet moment with the characters. Not only do such instances allow us to make sense of what, at times, can be a complex narrative, but it also deepens the emotional impact of many scenes. His restrained approach is refreshing, given that the story does present the opportunity for many tired clichés, which are gratefully not indulged.
The sheer fact that “The Miracles of the Namiya General Store” has been presented on film in a cohesive manner is a minor miracle in itself. Thanks to excellent editing, a skilfully adapted screenplay and a controlled approach from director Ryuichi Hiroki, the feature is a cinematic triumph. Though issues with the pacing and a handful of underdeveloped characters do make for some lulls, the movie is otherwise a heart-warming endeavour that leaves you brimming with optimism.
