I gave it a 9 out of 10 because nothing is perfect. However, I loved this movie! I just watched it again today for like the 900th time. I have always been one to love Asian people, especially Chinese and Japanese. I even had Japanese roommates in college, and one of them taught me a few things in Japanese, like how to write my name and such. Anyway, back to the movie...these characters are very endearing to watch. They give me courage to face my own troubles now. Being an adult and living on my own, I can appreciate the hardships someone like Auntie Hata would have gone through, raising two boys on her own. Also, having recently gone through a break-up (the pain of that is still fresh), I can only imagine what it must be like to lose my husband! I was watching the movie and, especially at the parts where Auntie Hata grasps her head in frustration/worry, I felt tense with her, because I can empathize! All in all, a must see!

Its a good movie depicting the plight of a single parent, Japanese American family during the 30's or 40's , I'm not sure, trying to survive on a cucumber farm. The acting is of a after school special quality but it still works. Hey its a canadian TV movie for kids, not everything has to be Oscar caliber. It still sends some strong messages though . I expected the Rinko character to be more annoying than she was so its OK. LOL I almost didn't recognise George Takei as an immigrant named Mr Yamanaka. He speaks less grandiose than he usually does. After viewing music videos filled scantily clad girls who are drop dead gorgeous and movies jam packed with violence and raunch its relaxing and escapist to fall back on something like this