37 Seconds (2019): Cast & Ratings
37 Seconds is a 2019 drama directed by HIKARI, starring Mei Kayama as Yuma Takada, Kiyohiko Shibukawa and Makiko Watanabe. It runs 1 hour 55 minutes and was made on a reported $125,000 budget. Its Echo Score is 86/100.
- Echo Score
- 86
- budget
- $125K
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 55m (115 min)
- Director
- HIKARI
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Japanese - Studio
- Knockonwood
- Budget
- $125K
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is 37 Seconds About?
The premise of 37 Seconds without spoilers.
A 23-year-old comic book artist named Yuma, who lives with profound cerebral palsy, experiences a journey of sexual awakening and independence. Raised by a well-meaning but overly protective mother, Yuma challenges her circumstances and forges her own path. Along the way, she discovers love and learns the importance of forgiveness, ultimately redefining her understanding of disability and self-discovery.
37 Seconds Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- cerebral palsy
- disability
- wheelchair
- artist
- male prostitute
- virgin
- mother daughter relationship
- girl uses a wheelchair
- japanese woman
- flower in hair
- video phone
- pimp
+38 more Show fewer
- japanese girl
- editor
- shower
- prostitute
- elevator
- public transportation
- broken elevator
- comic artist
- thailand
- train
- twin sister
- uncle
- girl in a shower
- airplane
- japanese
- mangaka
- sexual awakening
- japan
- 23 year old
- ghost writer
- disabled woman
- independence
- comic book artist
- manga
- bathtub
- mother bathing daughter
- adult daughter lives with her mother
- overprotective mother
- sister sister relationship
- mother and daughter in a bathtub
- tokyo japan
- love hotel
- virginity
- adult virgin
- red light district
- exploring sexuality
- single mother
- sexuality
37 Seconds Cast & Characters
Mei Kayama leads the cast as Yuma Takada, with Kiyohiko Shibukawa as Pimp and Makiko Watanabe as Mai. Directed by HIKARI; 15 actors are credited in all.
- Director HIKARI
- Mei Kayama as Yuma Takada
-
Kiyohiko Shibukawa as Pimp -
Makiko Watanabe as Mai -
Eita Okuno as Hide
Also Starring in 37 Seconds
· 11 more- Yuka Itaya Fujimoto
- Minori Hagiwara Sayaka
- Shizuka Ishibashi Physical Therapist
- Haruka Imou Yuka
- Misuzu Kanno Yasuko Takada
- Shohei Uno Iketani
- Toshinori Omi Furuya
- Shunsuke Daitoh Toshiya
- Nobu Morimoto Police Officer
- Nanami Kawakami Porn Star
- Yoshihiko Kumashino Kuma
More from HIKARI
More films directed by HIKARI, best-rated first: Rental Family and Tsuyako.
37 Seconds Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in sensory experience (78).
37 Seconds Echo Score Breakdown
37 Seconds delivers a compelling portrait of a disabled woman's journey, marked by empathetic direction and nuanced performances. Critics highlight the film’s graceful handling of familiar themes, noting its authentic emotional core and fresh visual tone. Audience responses echo this sentiment, praising the lead’s captivating presence and the story’s heartfelt resonance. While the narrative follows a conventional structure, its sincerity elevates the experience, resulting in a film that remains engaging and memorable.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
ART: The direction exhibits a measured grace, allowing the protagonist’s inner world to unfold without excessive stylistic flourish. Reviewers commend the film’s understated color palette and restrained editing, which together sustain a quiet intimacy. Although specific cinematographic details are sparse, the overall craft supports the narrative’s emotional tone, delivering a cohesive visual experience.
- Character & Emotion 90
CHARACTER: Performances anchor the film, with Mei Kayama delivering a nuanced, authentic portrayal that resonates deeply. Critics and viewers alike note the emotional depth and chemistry that elevate the story beyond a simple disability narrative. The supporting cast provides believable interactions, reinforcing the protagonist’s growth and sustaining audience investment.
- Story & Flow 80
STORY: The narrative follows a conventional coming‑of‑age arc, yet its honest treatment of disability injects freshness into familiar beats. Reviewers appreciate the film’s measured pacing and the poignant moments that arise from authentic character choices. While the plot does not break new ground, its truthful execution keeps engagement steady.
- Sensory Experience 78
SENSORY: Sound design and music complement the film’s subtle visual language, providing an understated backdrop that underscores emotional beats. Critics mention a delicate soundtrack and a restrained visual style, contributing to an immersive yet unobtrusive atmosphere. Though not overtly striking, the sensory elements reliably support the story’s tone.
- Rewatch Factor 84
REWATCH: The film’s heartfelt themes and sincere performances give it a lasting appeal, encouraging repeat viewings to savor its quiet moments. Reviewers describe it as both entertaining and important, suggesting that its emotional resonance endures beyond an initial watch. Consequently, it offers solid rewatch value for audiences seeking depth.
37 Seconds Videos
The featurette of 37 Seconds.
Seen 37 Seconds?
Movies Like 37 Seconds
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Seconds, Samaritan Girl and My Rainy Days.
37 Seconds FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, post-credit scenes and language of 37 Seconds, each answered in a sentence.
How long is 37 Seconds?
37 Seconds runs 1 hour 55 minutes (115 minutes).
When was 37 Seconds released?
37 Seconds was released on February 9, 2019.
Who directed 37 Seconds?
37 Seconds was directed by HIKARI.
More films by HIKARI Who is in the cast of 37 Seconds?
37 Seconds stars Mei Kayama as Yuma Takada, Kiyohiko Shibukawa as Pimp and Makiko Watanabe as Mai, among 15 credited actors.
What was the budget of 37 Seconds?
37 Seconds had a reported budget of $125,000.
Does 37 Seconds have a post-credit scene?
No. 37 Seconds has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is 37 Seconds in?
The original language of 37 Seconds is Japanese.
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