Panorama HK Blu-ray Synopsis: Three orphans on the lam take refuge in a derelict dime store intending to just stay the night. But their plans change when a mysterious advice-seeking letter dated 1993 is dropped through the shop's mail slot. It marks the beginning of a time-altering adventure that provides the youths with an unexpected connection to the past. (110 Mins)

 

Views: Based on the Miracles of the Namiya Store novel by Japanese writer Keigo Higashino, this fantasy drama tells the story of three orphan runaways who spend the night in an abandoned general store. But when an unknown person corresponds with them as if by magic, their curiosity has them asking more to find out the history of the strange old building and learn the supernatural secrets of the man behind it! Wonderfully adapted from Higashino's work (just months after the Japanese live-action adaptation) and playing like a live-action version of a Studio Ghibli movie, Namiya was a treat to watch and I'm only sorry that it took me so long to get around to it!

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The film, which brought a tear to my eye more than once, was only the second directional effort of Han Jie – his first being Mr. Tree from 2011, a comedy drama starring the great Wang Baoqiang. My lifelong hero, the legendary Jackie Chan, stars as the titular character of the piece; an old corner-shop owner who becomes an 'agony uncle' for fun, but quickly learns that his words truly mean something to those he has helped. Not long after, he begins receiving letters from the future with the very same people who have been staying in touch to update him on their achievements. Close to death, Namiya makes a deal with his closest friend to keep the store open for the next 25 years and never dispose of his future-letters. His final wish, on the anniversary of his death, put up a notice that one more counselling service will be available for those who need it! This was, indeed, an interesting year for Jackie Chan. Offering globe-trotting action features like Kung Fu Yoga, Bleeding Steel, and The Foreigner, he also voiced characters in animations like The Nut Job 2 and The Lego Ninjago Movie – before making his dramatic guest appearance in this. So I guess it's no wonder that we saw no feature releases from him in 2018. Regardless, he does a great job here as the charming advisor and shop owner, delivering a warm performance that was nice to see...

 

Joining him is a great supporting cast such as the cute Karry Wang in what was only his third movie after debuting in Mr. Six (2015), and then playing the young Emperor Song in Zhang Yimou's exciting action-fantasy The Great Wall (2016). Then we have the lovely Dilraba Dimurat, who I loved in Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Soccer (2026) – a young actress that has been fast proving her worth on the film and TV scene – and great Dong Zijian, a popular star from films such as Mountains May Depart (2015), Duckweed (2017), the awesome action-fantasy A Writer's Odyssey (2021) and it's sequel, among many more. The three star as the three runaways whose love of the Rainbow Orphanage sets them on their journey. Eric Chin Hao stars as the adult version in a connecting story that takes some twists and turns; although I have to say that the child actor of his character was just as impressive – a kid hooked on Michael Jackson until the controversy surrounding the singer is announced, oddly, just as his life takes a turn for the worst. Cheng Taishen co-stars as the orphanage manager while Yan Xiaopin, Chen Duling, and the enjoyable Pan Binlong help flesh things out. Overall, Namiya delivers a strong cast that come together to help weave the connecting stories from everyone involved.

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Produced by Jackie Chan film regular Barbie Tung – who has been behind Drunken Master 2 (1994), Rumble in the Bronx (1995), First Strike (1996), Who Am I? (1998), New Police Story (2004) and much more – Namiya is beautifully captured by Chris Lee Chi-Wa, the same eye behind films such as Black Cat 2 (1992), Sam the Iron Bridge (1993), The Grandmaster (2013), Vanguard (2020) and others. Nathan Wong, who scored many of the aforementioned Jackie Chan titles that Barbie produced, delivers another great music track and we're treated to some emotional songs by the stars of the musician's tale. While I've never read the original source material, I was pleasantly surprised and touched by Namiya. From the aforementioned performances and past stories that bring it all full circle to the production design and magic of the store itself, it's a movie that certainly won't be for all fans of Asian cinema, but will please those who are looking for a feel-good story. I really enjoyed it and I look forward to revisiting Namiya again, very soon!

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Overall: Beautifully made, emotional and full of heart, Namiya was a great surprise and worth your attention!

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Panorama Blu-ray Extras: Trailers