Our school song is like a war song, isn't it?
Like, "Ten-hut"?
Yeah, "Ten-hut!"
Do you suppose we'll ever regret not having ever sung it through
at least once?
Why don't we sing it through tomorrow?
Yeah, let's sing it!
Wait!
The Graduates
Konyo Aoki studied Dutch...
The language.
His students Ryotaku Maeno and
Genpaku Sugita translated an anatomy book.
Sophia and Aoyama Gakuin Universities.
Why don't you aim for the local public unis? You'd ace them.
You did well in math and biology in the mock exams.
No problem...
I've decided.
You just want out of the boondocks.
No.
Yes.
Why does everybody insist on going off to Tokyo?
You're up next.
Hey! Kayoko!
Portable music players are prohibited. I'm sure you're aware of this.
And Mr. Totsuka complained that you're always reading a magazine.
Other teachers have complained, too.
Isn't this guidance counseling?
So you're aiming for the literature departments. In Tokyo.
A wannabe novelist, huh?
A writer.
A music reviewer.
Hey, old man! Mind if I shoplift some colas?
You good-for-nothing! I'll call your school!
Then how about the lemon sodas?
The lemon sodas?
All right.
And? What do you want?
Relax, man.
She's so fine.
Takumi. Did you go to Kayoko's junior high?
What?
Kayoko Akimoto. Miss Kita High. You know her well?
Well, our junior high only had two classes.
Why didn't you tell me?
She was smiling at me again today. She's got an angel's smile.
She's like a white lily, you know?
Her fingers are so slender and her eyes are like dark candy.
What?
You think Kayoko likes somebody?
Safe!
Hello? Is this Nozomi? Over.
Yes, speaking. Over.
How was your date the other day? Over.
We went to an arcade, which sucked. Over.
Where did you go after that? Over.
We went to the arcade next door. Over.
What happened after that? Over.
Can't respond.
Ow! Hey!
You okay? Go see the nurse.
Hey, I wanted to eat some, tool
Get out.
Yeah, get lost.
Hurry up.
Stop it, come on.
Just go away.
But Kayoko doesn't mind.
Kayoko, see you tomorrow!
He's so pushy.
He'll be back.
"No Students Allowed"
Why do you always wear dark-colored underwear?
They're depressing.
How many sewer-colored underwear do you have?
My grandma's peppy and she wears red ones.
Pulled up to here. You gotta go with the vivid colors.
If you wear one, then I will, too.
All right, I'll do it for you. Just once, though.
Oh yeah, I'll lend you a photo book of a really hot star. Incredible.
Boobs like this, and she looks just like Kayoko.
Sewer-color is out, right?
Yeah.
What's that?
What theme song do you prefer?
Oh, when we're up at bat?
I thought I'd ask the captain first.
Forget the captain. I'm the ace pitcher.
I choose Lupin the 3rd.
Why?
Because I used it in junior high. I'm cool, like Lupin.
It's 'cause you're both ape-like.
We are not.
Okay. Then I'll put you down for Lupin.
What about you, Takumi?
What? I...
Use Yankee Doodle.
That's pathetic.
I'll go ask the others.
Did she overhear about the star?
But they do look alike.
Kayo, your train's here.
You're right. See you.
You usually don't take this train.
I usually stay after school until later, so my mom drives me home.
No wonder I never see you.
Why did you ask: "Why?"
What?
Why did you ask him why?
When Tomizo chose Lupin, you should've just let him have it.
But, "Why?" After so long...
Leave me out of it. It's between you and him.
I like Tomizo.
I like Tomizo a lot.
But...
I can't be cut and dry about it...
You're always looking at me.
So you have no right to tell me to just ignore you.
It hurts.
Even so... I still love you, Kayoko.
Don't run away!
Please don't run away.
I won't hang out with Tomizo anymore.
I won't look at you anymore.
So Kayoko, you don't have to run away from me.
Stand up when it's still.
Bye.
Is that what smells like lemon?
What?
Yes.
My lips get chapped easily. It has sort of become a habit.
Lemons are sour, so I'd have thought they'd make things worse.
The fragrance is harmless.
Wanna try it?
How is it? The lemon.
It feels like you're stuck to me.
We're the only ones aiming for Kita High.
I hope we can go together.
Kenmochi.
Kodama.
Shimizu.
Shirata.
Shirata!
"Kitakura High 3 - 4 Hakuun Tech"
You guys did well.
You all worked so hard.
Tomizo.
Free at last!
Summer vacation's starting.
Yeah. You're all dirty.
This?
Yeah.
Thanks for everything.
Yeah.
It was my pleasure.
Tomizo, you looked really great out there today.
Kayoko.
Kayoko, the bus is leaving!
She knows, you twerp!
Kayoko, will you go out with me?
Yes.
- That's not fair! - Yes, it is.
Stop, you're stretching it.
How old are you?
Exactly alike.
Just like the poster in Tomizo's room.
Big-boobed star.
But she's flat.
I'll kill you!
Please.
Hang on tight, Kayo.
Let's go.
I wish I could figure out what someone was listening to just by looking.
Well, you could always just ask: "What are you listening to?"
Well, you're right, of course...
Look at this.
It's pretty.
Now let's play another request.
This is from Kei Shirata of Kamidate District.
"Summer break's almost over. The school festival's coming up."
"But our festival is boring. Especially the bands. They all suck."
"We need real bands, like in college."
Hey old man, mind if I shoplift some lemon soda?
Sorry about that.
Lemon sodas are okay.
We're really sorry.
What a prick.
He's the grandson.
The old man and I had a rule.
I hope he gets better soon.
How do you open this?
You take off the round part...
Sir, we should change seats.
Please? It's a new semester.
Yeah!
I'll make the lots.
Oh, all right.
Hasegawa, number 6.
Yeah!
Iwatani, number 7.
Everyone's set.
Groups 2 and 4 clean the classroom, 1 and 3 do the biology room.
What?
Nobody's coming.
I'm going home.
"Summer break's almost over."
"But our festival is boring. Especially the bands."
"They all suck."
I heard the radio.
I'm in one of those bands.
"Kei Shirata of Kamidate District."
Too bad we sucked.
I'm sorry!
I didn't choose the right words, you see.
It was a remarkably unique gig. Off key in a highly creative way.
I'm sure we just interpret "rock" differently.
Forget it. We sucked.
Last year's gig was crap. I was forced to play and the songs were lame.
Nobody was into it.
But this year, I'm in charge. And we're playing one of my songs.
The song I wrote rocks unlike last year's...
I'm talking too much.
No, not at all.
Shima.
Kei.
It's not like that, but the other guys in my class are so boring.
He's a rarity. And he might lend me CDs.
It's like fate.
Yeah, when I first saw him, rock music blared in my head.
It was like my first period all over again. Like, "Coming soon!"
Like, "Now on sale"?
Yeah, maybe.
Kei, how do you feel now?
Like, "No music, no life"!
You're all fired up.
Yeah!
Wait up, Kei!
Cool. A music reviewer, huh?
Well, I'm still just a wannabe.
That why you're sending in requests?
They're just requests. They don't mean anything.
You write essays?
My notebook? Oh gosh, that has even less substance. Forget about it.
Okay, the CD you want in your coffin.
Whoa, the CD I'll take with me to the great beyond?
There's Greedy, right? And Hyakkei, and Japanese Spoon...
How about Quake And Brook?
Yeah, that, too! I have so many the lid won't shut.
Me too. I've never hit it off so well with someone.
Me too!
"I've never hit it off so well with someone."
Sorry.
Had to go to the guidance room.
I made the spring rolls from scratch today.
About university...
My parents can't afford a private one. I can't go to Tokyo with you.
How about a public one?
No?
Kayo, you know my grades.
Why Tokyo? The textbooks are the same, and the rent's expensive.
But I've worked hard to get into those universities in Tokyo.
Why?
Sorry.
Just kidding.
Hey.
Whoa.
Kei's in my class. She's going to listen to the new song.
It was like coal before it turns into a diamond.
But I wanted you to hear how cool it was.
We'll get it right onstage. I like that song.
What are the lyrics like?
Takeshi's singing it, so he's writing the lyrics.
He hasn't finished.
Takeshi Fujiyama in Class F?
Yeah, him. He never comes to practice. But his job is promotion.
His face is his only redeeming quality.
What? You two are way better looking than he is.
You looked really cool when you were playing. Really.
Come on.
Kei.
Shima's been published.
Wow.
"Band Review by Shima Oosumi"
Wow. You got published in this music magazine.
Usually only college writers get published.
And you're still in high school.
Wow, that's great. Shima, you've got talent. I loved this part here.
Hey girls, who wants copies?
I do!
I have to go clean the classroom. Sorry.
How lame.
Read it.
Takeshi brought the lyrics yesterday.
"The train runs, carrying you and me"
Isn't it lame?
It sucks. It sucks big time. The song's ruined!
Kei, will you write the lyrics?
What?
Why?
You're going to be a music reviewer someday.
Use stuff from your notebook.
There's nothing in it worth using.
I've really never written lyrics before. Ever.
No sweat. You've got a good ear.
So you must be a talented writer, too.
You like writing, don't you?
"The train runs, carrying you and..."
"You must be a talented writer."
"The train." "The train runs..."
Oh man, I'm beginning to like Takeshi's lyrics now.
It's a good song.
What? The lyrics are so lame.
It's a good song. Right, dear?
It's got a positive, youthful vibe to it.
No, it's lame.
Well? The lyrics.
How're they coming along?
Well...
Ew, what is this?
This sucks, the song's ruined.
And you wanted to be a music reviewer?
How impudent.
You've got talent, Shima.
Stop bragging.
Ouch!
We'll count the votes.
Shima. Shima. Shima. Shima.
Kei must now give up becoming a music reviewer.
Kazuya!
Oh, sorry, Kei. Forget about it.
Well? The lyrics.
How're they coming along?
Don't think too much.
You've still got time.
It's not like you'll never see him again.
You'll both still be in the same country.
Don't waste your time worrying about what might happen.
Enjoy what you have now.
I...
That's not it.
It's not your fault, Kazuya.
I was just depressed because I don't seem to have what it takes.
You feel like going someplace higher?
Up there?
No, but higher than here.
Let's go together after school.
"No Students Allowed"
"The world is so filled with passion!"
"The world is so..."
Hey.
Every day?
Yep. 'Cause flab's your worst enemy after quitting sports.
It's for your own good. I'll be your partner.
I want to go to Hokkaido University.
Sounds great.
I can't afford to take a year off to study.
I see.
I have to study now.
So... I'm sorry.
Right.
Hey!
I'll push.
No thanks.
You could use a hand there.
No, I'm fine.
Don't be so reserved.
I'm all right. Really.
You're stubborn.
I'll push this side, then. Okay?
Thank...
We're here.
See, I told you it was great.
Yeah.
I really wanted you to see this view.
When we first talked...
When we talked about music during cleaning time, I felt really good.
Kei, I felt that...
From that time on, I always
wanted to be friends with you.
Friends?
Yeah.
I was really glad to have become friends with you that day.
Friends?
We're not friends yet?
Right.
We're friends.
I'm glad that I have a buddy to talk about music with...
Really...
glad.
Huh? Hey, Kei?
Oh, sorry.
No, not sorry...
I'm going home.
Don't go! It'll be awkward tomorrow!
I'm leaving.
I'll walk you home.
No.
It feels so much longer coming back.
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
No, don't be. It's not about you, really.
What's your girlfriend like?
What? Kaoru?
I don't know.
She always cuts practices and classes.
She's egotistical and stirs up the band.
But she's just naive.
Sorry. I'm talking too much.
Sweet rice cakes.
Good timing. Take some to Shima's.
They're your favorite rice cakes, Kei.
Sweet, sweet rice cakes.
So this is your house.
There's not much to look at.
Cool.
So, come see us play.
Yeah.
You'll really dig us.
Yeah.
Thanks, Kaoru!
Kei.
When Kaoru took me to the clubroom, she got an e-mail from her boyfriend
so we got excited and she told me stuff.
And I realized that he was Kazuya in your grade.
You could've told me.
No, I couldn't.
I couldn't just say to you, "He's my friend's boyfriend,"
"so keep your hands off."
Shima, I...
Let's eat.
Yeah.
"My fingers don't reach"
"My fingers don't reach and are about to break"
"I don't have to grasp it"
"The world is so filled with passion"
Takeshi.
We need to talk.
"Subaru Festival"
Kayo.
Not one customer.
Did you study hard to enter Waseda U.?
I thought I'd drop dead from studying so much.
Awesome.
And you're going to become a lawyer, right? That's amazing.
Not really...
Takeshi!
No, I failed the bar exam 10 times.
So you're going to inherit that shop?
"Please don't limit my possibilities, Mr. Tanba," was it?
What? Takeshi's not singing anymore?
The world sweeps me away now
The light won't fade, even with closed eyes
Even with my arms outstretched
Tears ﬂow
I run and I run, but...
My fingers don't reach and are about to break
I don't have to grasp it, but
Whatever touches my outstretched fingertips
I'll chase it with all I've got
I might not make it,
but I'll take the entrance exams for university in Tokyo.
I promise I'll study.
The light is fading now
Inhaling, I run up
My voice isn't loud enough and the wind erases it
It can be blown away, but
I'll chase that sound that keeps on ringing
I'll sing my song that won't fade away
I want to keep running, I can't stop
Severing the darkness, my overflowing emotion
The world is so filled with passion
My fingers don't reach and are about to break
I don't have to grasp it, but
Whatever touches my outstretched fingertips
I'll chase it with all I've got
Kei.
Um...
That song. The one Kazuya sang just now.
You wrote the lyrics, didn't you?
What?
Those lyrics were amazing!
What?
That's all I wanted to say.
Thanks.
Kazuya!
You were really, really cool!
Thanks!
Examinee No. 1542. Not passed.
Examinee No. 1542. Not...
Kayo. When are you leaving for Tokyo?
Probably the end of this month on a Saturday.
Oh. Good, that's after my local entrance exams.
I can see you off.
Yeah.
Well, I have to study now.
- I'll come with you. - No!
I want to study alone. It's better that way.
Sorry.
Of course you've passed all your entrance exams.
You did, too, right?
I've got one more left. I find out the results for my first choice later.
Oh. That's a bummer.
I feel like throwing up.
But no matter where I go, I'll just be doing one thing.
All I'm interested in is music.
Our school song is like a war song, isn't it?
Like, "Ten-hut"?
Yeah, "Ten-hut!"
Do you suppose we'll ever regret not having ever sung it through
at least once?
Why don't we sing it through tomorrow?
Yeah, let's sing it!
"Closed Temporarily"
Kayo, phone call from Tomizo.
Kayo.
Déjà vu, huh?
I'm always out of breath, aren't I?
You're off to Tokyo come springtime, right?
Yeah. I'm moving tomorrow. Did you hear from Tomizo?
Yeah.
You're off to Hokkaido, right?
Yeah. Where it's even colder.
Here?
Yeah.
Bye.
You forgot this.
Thanks, Takumi!
Free at last! Farewell, exam hell!
You haven't found out yet.
I'm done.
We should've worn our uniforms.
Kayo. Can I go top speed with you?
Here goes.
Okay.
Oh, man.
Sorry, my legs gave in.
But it felt really good.
That sounds naughty.
I guess it does.
Kayo.
Let me touch your hair.
Okay.
This is...
This is the best I can do.
Yes.
Will you forget me when you go?
Yes.
That's so mean.
Yes.
Morning.
Here's a boiled egg.
And another,
and another...
And another.
Not funny, huh?
I don't know what to say.
Me neither.
I...
I tried hard to come up with something.
But it was no use.
I've got nothing cool to say.
Yeah.
I thought and
I thought
but nothing came to mind.
Only words
that prove I'm not over you.
So if that's the case,
then I might as well just say, "Take care," or something.
The train's leaving.
Take... care?
That's a question.
But I really have no clue.
I've never said good-bye to someone I love before.
I won't let go.
Tomizo.
I didn't want it to end.
I wanted to always be with you.
I really, really thought so.
Nana EIKURA
Mitsuki TANIMURA
Tasuku EMOTO
Hoshi ISHIDA
Naojiro HAYASHI (HIRAKAWACHI-ITCHOME)
Takashi HAMAZAKI
Masanori ISHII
Mami NAKAMURA
Jyunkichi ORIMOTO
Yasuo DAICHI
Executive Producers Keiko KUSAKABE Toru KENJO Fumihiro HIRAI Isao SAWAMURA Yukio TAKAMATSU Kiyoei SAITO
Planner / Producer Koichi KUSAKABE
Producer Mizuki KUROTANI
Original Story Miho TOSHIMA
Director of Photography Shigeru KOMATSUBARA
Lighting Akiyo MIYOSHI
Sound Recording Shinsuke NAGASHIMA
Production Design Toshiharu NAKAMAE
Music Mino KABASAWA
Editing Mototaka KUSAKABE
English subtitles by Mia Isozaki
Screenplay / Director Yuki IWATA
©2007 "The Graduates" PRODUCTION COMMITTEE