Happy Darts

Synopsis

Happy Darts is a 2008 Japanese sports comedy directed by Tomoaki Hosoyama and starring Emiri Henmi. The film follows the journey of Hitomi, a clumsy yet spirited young woman working at a failing bar. When Hitomi discovers a hidden talent for playing darts, she decides to enter a local darts tournament with the hopes of saving her workplace and proving her worth. Along the way, Hitomi befriends a variety of quirky characters, each with their own struggles and aspirations, making her realize that winning isn't everything. Filled with moments of humor, heartfelt interactions, and underdog spirit, Happy Darts is a lighthearted tale about persistence, friendship, and finding joy in unexpected places.

Cast

• 

  Emiri Henmi

  Minako Sawada

• 

  Hitomi Sato

• Eri Nitta

• 

  Seminosuke Murasugi

• 

  Kohji Moritsugu

• 

  Kazuki Kato

  Keisuke Shinozuka

Reviews

Happy Darts has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. It holds a modest rating of 4.6/10 on IMDb. Critics have praised the film for its lighthearted approach and charming performances, particularly highlighting Emiri Henmi's endearing portrayal of Hitomi. 'Henmi brings an infectious energy to the film,' said a review from The Japan Times, which commended the actress for her ability to carry the movie despite its formulaic plot. However, not all feedback has been positive. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have pointed out that the film's narrative lacks depth and innovation. 'Happy Darts follows a predictable underdog story arc without bringing anything new to the table,' wrote a review from Metacritic, which criticized the film's reliance on sports clichés. Additionally, some viewers found the comedic elements hit-or-miss, with moments that fell flat. Ultimately, while Happy Darts offers a few laughs and a charming lead performance, it struggles to leave a lasting impact.