First graders in a Tokyo public elementary school are presented with a challenge for the final semester: performing "Ode to Joy" at the ceremony for the new incoming first graders. Ayame, who often struggles to keep up with the group, is determined to play a major part — the big drum.
Directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki
Rank
#116 in 2024·#2764 overall
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
3.7 / 5
Crew
Ema Ryan Yamazaki
Director
Popular Reviews
134 reviews
Ursula
9.0★ · 03/11/26
I teared up like five times watching this
Anyone mean to that little girl needs to go sit in a corner and think about what they've done. She was precious and needs to be protected istg.
I teared up like five times watching this
Anyone mean to that little girl needs to go sit in a corner and think about what they've done. She was precious and needs to be protected istg.
Heather
7.0★ · 12/26/25
prequel to Whiplash
prequel to Whiplash
eliza may
8.0★ · 12/01/25
so cute
so cute
Scarlett Swann
10.0★ · 06/21/25
I’m a softie so I cried
I’m a softie so I cried
ashleyPRO
7.0★ · 05/13/25
maybe i’m too #woke but scolding your student in front of the class until she’s in tears because she came in early is doin too much!! she tried explaining she just needed her sheet music then you berated her until she was sobbing the fuck!!!!! the other female teacher was so sweet though. “i’ll be scolded with you.” ☹️
that being said ayame and the other students’ love for music is just too cute. i wish american elementary students had a passion for anything other than minecraft and mr. beast (talking from experience). ayame i’ll break a bitch off like a kitkat bar for u just say the word.
maybe i’m too #woke but scolding your student in front of the class until she’s in tears because she came in early is doin too much!! she tried explaining she just needed her sheet music then you berated her until she was sobbing the fuck!!!!! the other female teacher was so sweet though. “i’ll be scolded with you.” ☹️
that being said ayame and the other students’ love for music is just too cute. i wish american elementary students had a passion for anything other than minecraft and mr. beast (talking from experience). ayame i’ll break a bitch off like a kitkat bar for u just say the word.
