The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Synopsis

The Little Girl Who Conquered Time (1983), originally titled 時をかける少女, is a Japanese science-fiction romance drama that follows Kazuko Yoshiyama, a high school student who unexpectedly acquires the ability to leap through time. As Kazuko navigates the complexities of everyday teenage life, she experiments with her newfound power, which leads to unforeseen consequences and emotional challenges. The film blends youthful innocence with speculative elements, exploring themes of love, friendship, and the bittersweet nature of adolescence. With a gentle narrative pace and heartfelt performances, particularly from Tomoyo Harada in the lead role, the movie offers a nostalgic yet thoughtful reflection on the impact of time on growing up.

Cast

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  Tomoyo Harada

  Kazuko Yoshiyama

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  Ryōichi Takayanagi

  Kazuo Fukamachi

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  Toshinori Omi

  Gorō Horikawa

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  Yukari Tsuda

  Mariko Kamiya

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  Ittoku Kishibe

  Toshio Fukushima

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  Toshie Negishi

  Naoko Tachibana

Reviews

The Little Girl Who Conquered Time has been appreciated for its pioneering blend of science fiction and youth drama, setting a foundation for later adaptations of the story. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 6.5/10 based on user reviews, indicating a moderately positive but mixed reception. Critics often praise Tomoyo Harada’s charming portrayal of Kazuko, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the character’s journey. Rotten Tomatoes lacks a formal critic score for this older Japanese film, but audience ratings indicate affection for its nostalgic and heartfelt tone. Some reviewers highlight the film’s slower pacing and dated special effects, which might not align with modern expectations for sci-fi storytelling. However, supporters commend its sincere exploration of adolescent dilemmas and the thoughtful questions it raises about time and choices. While not considered a blockbuster or breakthrough by contemporary standards, it remains a cherished classic within the realm of Japanese cinema and fans of time-travel narratives. Metacritic does not have an official score, reflecting the film’s status as more of a cult and niche title rather than a widely reviewed blockbuster.