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Herald Review ***
Hula Girls is, not surprisingly, a film about a group of Hawaiian hula dancers, but what might not be expected is that these hula dancers are actually Japanese miners' daughters.
Based on a true story, this melodramatic comedy is set in a small coal mining town in Northern Japan in 1965. As Japan gravitates from coal to oil, the livelihood of those living in this bleak town is threatened. The mining company officials are aware of the potential devastation that faces the town as they lay off more staff, and someone comes up with the rather unusual idea of creating Japan's first Hawaiian Village, a themed resort for tourists.
It's somewhat of a contrast to say the least, the idea of a Hawaiian village in this cold, remote mining town, and its people are divided over the idea. A large group of miners' daughters are interested in becoming hula dancers at first - until they watch a film of traditional dancers and run from the room in fear of having to show off their bellies.
Two teenagers Kimiko (Aoi) and Yojiro (Toyokawa), best friends with nothing to lose, decide to stick it out against their family's wishes.
Along with a couple of the town's misfits they realise this may be a way to break the cycle of reliance on coal, and also a way to support their families during the tough times ahead.
A flashy teacher arrives from Tokyo to teach them but Miss Hirayama (Matsuyuki) is not the superstar they imaged she would be. After an ambivalent start Hirayama begins to realise what this opportunity means to the girls, and sets about turning the totally graceless klutzes into professional dancers.
It's a fun film with a somewhat unusual subject matter, and an unusual look (apart from the computer-generated town, you could be mistaken for thinking it had been shot in 1965) and the story is delivered in a predictable manner that will be appreciated by filmgoers who like to know they are heading for a happy ending.
There is nothing terribly original about the transformation of these girls, it's like a cross between The Full Monty and Shall We Dance, but Japanese born-Korean director Lee has created a film that is endearing, heartfelt and at times very funny.
Cast: Yasuko Matsuyuki, Etsushi Toyokawa, Yuu Aoi, Ittoku Kishibe Director: Sang-il Lee Running time: 108 mins Rating: M, sexual references Screening: Rialto Verdict: A lighthearted, enjoyable comedy
