Where Now Are the Dreams of Youth?

Four fun loving friends have to learn how to navigate their bonds when they are faced with tragedy, hardship and love. Where Now Are the Dreams of Youth is an entertaining silent film about friendship and what it takes to maintain it through life's challenges.

Horino, Saeki, Kumada and Shimazaki were buddies at university with Saeki being the most serious minded as he had his mother he wanted to care for. Horino was the bold leader, always up for a good time. Oshige, the local waitress at a bakery was sweet on Horino even if he didn't seem to return her feelings. Horino was forced to quit school when his dad died suddenly throwing him into a role for which he was not immediately equipped at his father's company. The three other boys finished school and after being turned away from most of the places in town came to their buddy to help them. Cheating just as they did in college, Horino gave them the answers to the entrance exam so that they would be hired. The three hired friends slowly began to distance themselves from brash Horino. Saeki and Horino found themselves on a collision course when Horino decided to date Oshige not knowing she was already involved with Saeki.

This film had some humorous moments in the first half without resorting to slapstick humor which can plague some older silent films. The friends seemed to genuinely care for each other, even Horino who could be obtuse at times. Though the friendship was the focus of the film, the spotlight came down squarely on Horino and his experience as being both the leader and the one left out. The three friends who were hired during the economic crisis were afraid to do anything that might get them fired and began to distance themselves from Horino who was now their boss which left him in the dark and increasingly isolated.

There were also some affectionately playful moments between Horino and his dad, especially when the uncle sent over a modern girl he wanted Horino to date. Takeda Harurô was delightful as Horino's father who, like his son, enjoyed the moment. Egawa Ureo as Horino could come across too strong at times but he could still convey the softer side of his character as well. Though much hinged on the character of Saeki, neither the writing nor the acting was able to fill out the important role. I couldn't find a credit for the actress who played Oshige, though a traditional female role, she did manage to tell Horino truths he needed to hear and the actress played the limited part well. The two other friends were never directly called by their names, and only the heavier set actor was given any lines or scenes with any import.

Where Now Are the Dreams of Youth poignantly portrayed the pitfalls of friendship and the necessity for candor and communication. It also highlighted the problem of maintaining a friendship when there is both economic and social inequality. And finally, especially during a dire economic time, it showed the difference between youthful frivolity and hopeful dreams and the harsh economic reality that awaited the young men outside of school. I found the film entertaining with lessons that carry over to modern times, the lesson that every beloved school friendship must face when the days of school are past, whether they will either thrive or fade in the unknown challenges waiting beyond.

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