This film is made up of seperate stories set years apart, but you don't find out until the very last 2 minutes how they all connect. Each story in itself is interesting and entertaining and you almost forget they'll connect because each story draws you in so much. The movie jumps from year to year, revealing more each time, and when the connection is revealed at the end, it finally makes sense! Up until then it's dificult to see where it's going, but I liked that about it! The characters are really likeable and the acting is great. Defintely recommended for lovers of japanese cinema! (and anyone else really!)