Directed by Non (Japan, 2021, 115 min.). Japanese with English subtitles.

In this pastel coming-of-age drama from actor-director Non, an art student named Itsuka is an emotional wreck after the global pandemic causes the cancellation of her graduation exhibition. Her pandemic blues deepen as she clashes with her parents, who don’t understand her art; with her neurotic little sister; and even with her once-serene best friend, Hirai, who has begun acting rashly and picking fights. Things start to look rosier when Itsuka is reunited with a childhood friend who helped her believe in her art.

“An impactful, imaginative first feature.… Non pleases her fans with her trademark klutzy charm while getting at the heart of this era’s malaise among the young.… Ribbon—and its climatic riot of ribbons—are feel-good hope generators for them and all of us.” —Japan Times

Watch the trailer.