The story follows a father and his 6-year-old boy, a year after the boy's mother died, and how they've attempted to cope with the situation. Even with a year's time, it hasn't gotten any easier for them. That is, until one day she returned to them. Despite the fact that they were at her funeral, she was now standing in front of them, as if she never died at all -- the downside? She doesn't remember a thing. The father and son don't mention the fact that she was supposed to be dead; instead they tell her she just got into a little accident and lost her memory. It's later revealed that her return may have something to do the rainy season and an old book she wrote to boy before she died. Sadly, once the rainy season ends she will disappear just as fast she returned. Will she find out in time?

What I liked most about this movie was the excellent character development -- some of the best I've seen in a Romance. Since the mom has no memory she gets the husband to tell the story of how they first met and fell in love, so we get more insight of what kind of people they are, which gives more of an effect towards the end with the more dramatic moments. I thought I had the ending figured out, but I was wrong when the time came, revealing one twist after the other.

This is now in my list of favorite films, right next to South Korea's Romantic-Comedy My Sassy Girl. The movie keeps the viewer interested from the start by its brilliant storytelling and excellent performances, especially that of Yuko Takeuchi as the mom, whom you may remember as the lead from Ringu. The cinematography is also breathtaking, especially in certain emotional scenes. Added with its beautiful, soft, melodic music, this is truly a cinematic masterpiece amongst the Romance genre.

Not that this is much of a surprise, but the US is remaking this movie, which hopes to premiere in 2007. Jennifer Garner will star in place of Yuko Takeuchi's role as the mom. I personally don't think it will compare to the original, but we'll have to wait and see.