Hula Girls

I decided to watch Hula Girls out of curiosity. I think I was already watching Osen then so I got more curious with Yu Aoi’s acting.

According to Wikipedia, Hula Girls (2006) is based on the real-life event of how a group of enthusiastic girls take on hula dancing to save their small mining village, Iwaki, helping the formation of Joban Hawaiian Center (now known as Spa Resort Hawaiians), which was later to become one of Japan’s most popular theme parks. As for Seattle International Film Festival, it was said of Hula Girls that “With massive layoffs affecting a cold coal mining town in northern Japan, the locals hope to transform their sooty surroundings into a lavish spa resort. The plan flounders until the resourceful women learn to swing their hips in a hula show that proves to be the perfect tourist magnet in this charming comedy.”

This film was directed by Lee Sang-Il, who also co-wrote this film with Habara Daisuke. At the 2007 Japan Academy Awards, Hula Girls won the following:

Best Film

Best Director

Best Screenplay

Best Supporting Actress (Yu Aoi)

Most Popular Film

This film started like most typical Japanese films. I can’t describe it. I guess you’ll just have to get used watching Japanese films to understand. Hula Girls was based on a real life event so everything was realistic.

I enjoyed the story. It was mentally poignant. It didn’t reach me emotionally through and through but it was touching. I also admired Yu Aoi’s talent in dancing. She as amazing and graceful. The dance scenese were my favourites, especially when they performed for the grand opening of the centre.

Hula Girls was a story of friendship, of a mentor to a student, of a community, of love, passion, and loyalty.

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Originally posted on: 3 February 2013
Reposted on: 2 August 2013