Maki is not only a mother bringing up a young daughter, but she is also a one-time hit novelist who cannot come up with a follow-up. Nurturing is a challenge to Maki, and she is determined to overcome her slump. However, she becomes infuriated by the noise made by her elderly neighbor, Miwako, who beats the dust from her blanket on her balcony every day. Maki soon finds herself in conflict with her neighbor. A clip of them arguing in the balcony goes viral via social networking, as does Miwako’s notoriety as “Mrs. Noisy”. Meanwhile, Maki writes a novel based on this and becomes hugely popular.
People so easily judge and condemn others without seeing their side, and through a trivial clash between neighbors, Director Amano deeply illustrates the symptoms of a society lacking simple generosity. He also insists that what makes us discover something truly precious is the attitude of putting the weak first, and the victims’ faith and solidarity. (Ellen Y. D. KIM)