If one turns away students from school, where will they go? Seito ga Jinsei wo Yarinaoseru Gakko offers an insight into shunned reform schools and the circumstances and triumphs students experience in their adolescence. This movie narrates the events through the staff's point of view, through new teachers Kiyama sensei (Acted by: Hirano Sho) and Okabe sensei (Acted by Hamabe Minami). We get to understand that it is not the students are "problem students". The adults in their lives have failed them; teachers have to step in through continuous trial and error to not only help them graduate but bring them into their next phase of life.

I do agree with Aehsassy's review, this will make you cry or feel like it. The plot is layered with a plethora of youth issues; Misaki's teenage pregnancy, Sagara's near poverty cycle trap. Konoha's abuse and neglect, Kakeru shouldering the responsibility of raising his younger siblings. Even the teachers come to terms with the strain of having to involve into their student's private life, or the temptation of resigning. For the complexity of issues sensitively covered from both the student's and teacher's point of view, this is a highly recommended watch.

Undoubtedly, I really feel this movie would be much more impactful as a series. The time afforded in an episodic series would have made this more impactful and memorable. However, the fact that this movie was still good despite having a short run time is a testament. I don't usually take note of OST in movies. Yet, the instrumental "Ode to Joy" does stir your heart while watching it. The slow cadence and the reassuring tone sets the right mood for empathising with the trials and tribulations. The way the students acted and the words of assurance of the staff will touch your heart. Adolescence and schooling presents troubling times for many, delinquent or studious. You may just find well written scenes in this movie that will help you come to terms or heal from that era of your life.