One Step

One Step (Sekai no Yakusha) is a 2016 Japanese sports drama film directed by Yuya Ishii. The story centers around Tadashi, a young boy who resides in the coastal town of Tsuruga, Japan. He becomes fascinated with a girl from his school who stands alone on the beach, gazing out at the vast ocean. The enigmatic figure piques Tadashi's curiosity, leading him to try and uncover the reason behind her solitude. As Tadashi observes the girl from a distance, he watches her walk on the beach and then disappear into the crowd. His curiosity now heightened, he becomes determined to learn more about her. After a few days of observation, Tadashi finally gets to speak with the girl, who introduces herself as Nanae. Nanae, a student at the same school as Tadashi, initially appears to be friendly but distant. It becomes apparent to Tadashi that Nanae is troubled by something in her life. Tadashi becomes increasingly drawn to Nanae, despite their differences. While everyone around them seems to be living ordinary lives, the two share a deep understanding of their struggles. Tadashi decides to become an outsider among his friends, joining a local running group instead of playing soccer with his friends. The solitude of running allows him to clear his mind and contemplate Nanae's situation. The connection between the two only strengthens, allowing Tadashi to see past Nanae's reserved nature. Tadashi and Nanae start meeting on the beach, where they have a deeper conversation. As they share their stories, the film delves into the emotional lives of Japanese youth, tackling themes of identity, loss, and disconnection. Nanae's past and her struggles begin to unravel, giving Tadashi insight into her situation. He also starts noticing subtle changes in his own life, such as reconnecting with his parents and reflecting on his goals. One Step gradually shifts focus from Tadashi's journey to reveal Nanae's history, which has been marred by grief and pain. The girl standing on the beach is Nanae, struggling to cope with her father's passing. Nanae finds herself lost in the midst of her grief, unsure of how to navigate the complexities of life. It's only when Tadashi approaches her with compassion that she begins to confront her emotions head-on. Throughout the film, the contrast between the town's serene setting and the turmoil within the characters' lives serves as a poignant backdrop. Tadashi and Nanae navigate their feelings, learning to open up to one another through shared experiences. Their interactions reveal the delicate yet powerful bonds between people and the importance of human connections. As the story unfolds, Tadashi and Nanae's bond becomes an anchor in a world that often seems to disregard individual emotions. Their friendship blossoms, even as the town continues with its ordinary daily life. Through Tadashi's journey, viewers witness his growth as he comes to understand the intricacies of human emotions and develops a deeper sense of empathy. Ultimately, 'One Step' becomes a poignant exploration of grief, resilience, and human connection. Yuya Ishii's direction captures the raw emotions and intimate moments between Tadashi and Nanae, as they navigate their way through their individual struggles. With a narrative that gently unfolds, the story showcases the power of human relationships and encourages viewers to empathize with others.