The first Japanese film I've seen that criticizes Japan in a World War II context. Kayoko's mother mentions that her abundantly lovable daughter freely offered up her baby doll to the government when she heard it would help win the war. Her mother's specific mention that donated kewpie dolls are used to build plastic explosives twinges the heart with pain. The utter excitement that Kayoko's brothers have when they say that Japan will defeat even America because they're teamed up with Germany and Italy reminds of children debating which of their favorite superheroes is stronger. Yet the film is not hateful. Kayoko's father's comment thatthey'll definitely win the war because "Japan is God's country" is sincere, which induces understanding in the audience for what misguided nationalism feels like on the ground. This moment expresses a warm "hate the sin, not the sinner" mentality that allows for vicious clarity without partisan rage.

The majority of the film does not touch on the war, despite my opening paragraph, but rather is made up of a series of episodes from Kayoko's childhood from 1940-1945. These episodes are charged with the vividness and affection that Terrence Davies put into Distant Voices, Still Lives. I was not shocked when I discovered that this film is based on an autobiography. These are not vague images of domestic bliss to heighten the dread of inevitable tragedy. Each episode is tangibly specific, evinced by the rich backgrounds, the unique toys that the children play with, and the multifaceted dynamics at home. The variant title "Kayoko's Diary" is frustratingly incorrect but nonetheless profound: the film has the idiosyncrasy and love for small details of a child's diary. Not just any child, but the big-hearted Kayoko. The film would not work if her cheerfulness were not credible, but thankfully that is not the case.

Not treacly, "Who's Left Behind" inspires holy tears. It is a catharsis for Kayoko and Japan that sets both free from the extremes of wallowing and stoicism and trudges on with hope, faith and love. Witnessing this healthy wellspring of emotion should do the same for us.