Is As Sawa-chan Rides the Waves Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

📖 The Core Premise

As Sawa-chan Rides the Waves returns to the screen in 2019, bringing a fresh narrative to the TV Movie genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Sawa lives in a small port town called Hososhima in Hyuga City. He is a cheerful person who supports a single mother, Yoshiko, and also takes care of a junior high school younger brother. On the other hand, my divorced father, Takuji Tamayama, is a clumsy but hateful man who lives surfing. Sawa visits his father from time to time and takes care of him. Such a peaceful daily life is completely changed by the “incident” caused by my brother. Furthermore, by a reunion with my childhood friend Takeshi who is aiming to become a professional surfer, Sawa will be aware of the “real feeling” that he has hidden in his mind."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In As Sawa-chan Rides the Waves, Natsumi Ikema delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good TV Movie. The cinematography and score further amplify the experience, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is As Sawa-chan Rides the Waves worth your time? If you appreciate TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2019, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, As Sawa-chan Rides the Waves is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 59 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.