島田洋七の佐賀のがばいばあちゃん

A film adaptation of the great hit memoir of Shimada Yoshichi 'Saga no Gabai Bachan' which sold a total of 6.7 million copies for the entire series. He directed and wrote the script for this film. This tear-jerking and side-splitting work depicts the days of a boy and his "gabai (amazing)" grandmother who overcomes poverty with her bright nature and witty words. In 1958, first grader Akihiro (Morita Haruto) is sent to live with his grandmother (Kayama Yoshiko) in Saga Prefecture as his family struggles financially. He is initially bewildered by the unfamiliar countryside life, but grows into an energetic boy with the help of his lively grandmother.

Directed by Yôshichi Shimada, 島田洋七の佐賀のがばいばあちゃん leans on a strong ensemble — Yoshiko Kayama, Reiko Takashima, Ayako Kobayashi — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2009.