Hula Girls (2006)
Hula Girls (2006) 7/10
* 2007 Japanese Academy Awards
Winner, “Best Film”
Winner, “Best Director” Lee Sang-Il
Winner, “Best Screenplay” Lee Sang-Il & Daisuke Habara
Winner, “Best Supporting Actress” Yu Aoi
* 2007 Blue Ribbon Awards
Winner, “Best Film”
Winner, “Best Actress” Yu Aoi
Winner, “Best Supporting Actress” Junko Fuji
* 2007 Kinema Junpo Awards
Winner, “Best Film”
Winner, “Best Supporting Actress” Yu Aoi
* 2006 Hochi Film Awards
Winner, “Best Film”
Winner, “Best Supporting Actress” Yu Aoi
Based on a true story, Hula Girls is a manipulative and totally formulaic feel-good underdog movie that you have probably watched a zillion times. It is also insanely enjoyable. Not only was it a box office hit in Japan, it also won a slew of awards. Chosen as Japan’s entry for the 2006 Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, Hula Girls is highly entertaining and works despite its cliched plotline. Major credit goes to lead actress Yu Aoi, who singlehandedly lifts the film. With her mega-watt smile, she effortless charms the screen and deserves all the acting awards she has picked up.
