I've read other posts, and all I have to say is: WTF?!?! WHY is this all of a sudden a Japanese movie? I find it pointless to change the main aspects of a movie like this.
But I will probably watch it because I loved the book and I love Anton Yelchin.
"I'll see you." "Not if I see you first."
Because Hans Canosa and Gabrielle Zevin wanted to change the setting to a international school in Japan.
It seems the book was very popular in Japan and won awards there.
This is from the authors blog:
The funny thing for me is, aside from the cast consisting of amazing Japanese actors, pretty much all of it looks exactly like I pictured it. (Though, hey, I never specifically imagined Naomi et al as NOT Japanese either.) So yeah, we have those pesky steps! That brooding handsome dude! That short haircut! Devoted readers will note that James/Yugi rides a motorcycle in this version. You may also note the presence of a Caucasian guy in a -- sigh! -- trucker hat. This is Hans. (Many thanks to all who commented with well wishes by the way; we both enjoyed hearing from you!)
Incidentally, I've also watched a finished scene -- Naomi and James/Yugi sled down the steps -- and not to disparage the book, but in my opinion, it's better than the book. Incredibly romantic.
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Why the hell not? If they made an american movie of the Hachiko story, why can't they change the setting for a western movie and plonk it in the Japan??
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I agree. I only became interested in this book, because Maki was chosen for the lead. Yeah, I dig Japanese movies... it's pretty much my source for new novels and reading material xD
I think the movie's much more interesting this way, but it would have been even more amazing if the school was set in the US with the Japanese characters as overseas students ^^ (Just my opinion...)