Tora-san Goes | North

In a rare subversion of the series' formula, Tora-san focuses much of his energy on helping Jun articulate his hidden feelings for Etsuko, leading to one of the film's most touching scenes during a local barbecue. Key Features

The film reunited Toshiro Mifune and Keiko Awaji nearly 40 years after they appeared together in Akira Kurosawa's Stray Dog . Mifune's performance earned him Best Supporting Actor at the Blue Ribbon Awards . Tora-san Goes North

The story follows the itinerant peddler Torajirō Kuruma (Tora-san), who travels to rural Hokkaido and strikes up an unlikely friendship with Junkichi "Jun" Ueno, a gruff, reclusive veterinarian played by legendary actor Toshiro Mifune. In a rare subversion of the series' formula,

Tora-san falls for Rinko, while Jun is pursued by Etsuko, a local snack bar owner who has long harbored feelings for the stubborn vet. The story follows the itinerant peddler Torajirō Kuruma

Jun is estranged from his daughter, Rinko, who has returned home after a failed marriage. Tora-san inadvertently finds himself mediating their cold relationship.

Keiko Takeshita plays Rinko, marking one of her three appearances as the series' "Madonna" figure.

Reviewers from The Los Angeles Times and other outlets praised the film for its "tougher-minded" approach and the unique pairing of Atsumi's comic energy with Mifune's commanding presence. Film review: Tora-san Goes North - Deseret News