MovieChat Forums > Melody (1971) Discussion > Popular in Japan?

Popular in Japan?

posted 19 years ago by Ambiance35
3 replies | jump to latest

I gather that whilst "Melody" got decent enough reviews here on its release in 1971 it didn't do particularly well at the cinema's where it only had a limited run.The same can be said I have heard too for the short-lived VHS tape that was briefly released in the mid 1980's.
As so few people have heard of this little gem in the UK (granted it has not been shown here on terrestrial tv for many years nor released on DVD either) what is it about this film that has made it so phenomenally popular in Japan where I gather it has gained an almost cult status?

[–] totallybummed 19 years ago

The Japanese seem to like films about children and childhood innocence and all that. There have been other similar films, such as the US indie "Kenny and Co.", that were hits in Japan and nowhere else.

[–] liam_salze 18 years ago

well i guess so
mine is full of japanese subtitle

[–] Hailey-7 18 years ago

It is so popular there, matter of fact, Hello Kitty's boyfriend is named "Dear Daniel" after Mark Lester's caracther.