Sumo Do, Sumo Don't

Sumo Do, Sumo Don't is a delightful Japanese sports-comedy film that hit the screens in 1992. This award-winning film was directed by notable filmmaker Masayuki Suo and starred a talented ensemble led by Masahiro Motoki, Misa Shimizu, and Naoto Takenaka.

The film masterfully blends humor, the venerable sport of Sumo, and the individual journeys of its characters, showcasing their battles against personal challenges and societal stereotypes. The uniqueness of Sumo Do, Sumo Don't comes from its attempt to debunk the stereotypes surrounding an age-old traditional sport, such as Sumo, and demonstrate its relation to everyday life using humor, introspection, and emotion.

The film tells the story of Shuhei Yamamoto (Masahiro Motoki), a reluctant sportsman drawn into the world of Sumo due to unexpected circumstances. Shuhei is a typical university student who attempts to navigate his final year without any complications. But his plans go awry when he is compelled to join the near-defunct Sumo club by a desperate professor who threatens to withhold his graduation. This sets forth a hilarious chain of events, where Shuhei, who abhors Sumo, must work hard to revive the struggling club and form a competitive team.

Shuhei's journey leads him to cross paths with a variety of memorable characters, each of them contributing to his transformation and the synergy of the Sumo club in their own unique way. Among them are Aoki (Naoto Takenaka), a committed, middle-aged Sumo enthusiast whose geeky fascination with Sumo serves as the comic pulse of the story; and Haruo (Akira Emoto), a skilled yet disenchanted former Sumo wrestler drawn back into the ring for the team's sake.

Along with a varied cast of out-of-shape misfits, they strive to learn the techniques, respect the traditions, and understand the philosophies that the sport of Sumo upholds, making it more than just about winning or losing. Misa Shimizu portrays the bold and confident stalker-turned-girlfriend who, with her intrinsic understanding of the sport, plays an essential part in the team's journey.

The film manages to portray these characters in a relatable way, making them real and likable. The screenplay maintains an equilibrium between the comedic elements and the depiction of personal struggle. The overcoming of personal dislike, the awakening of dormant passion, and the laughter and tears shared make Sumo Do, Sumo Don't a journey of discovery, acceptance, courage, grit, and finally, triumph.

Sumo Do, Sumo Don't beautifully portrays the profound understanding that Sumo is not just a sport, but a way of life that requires dedication, patience, and humility. It highlights the unyielding spirit of the sportspersons and their will to go great lengths to honor the game and its traditions, not just for the sake of winning, but for self-discovery and personal growth.

The film's cinematography and direction beautifully capture the rawness, refinement, and nuances of Sumo, making the audience feel like a part of the journey. The movie also does not shy away from shedding light on the less glamorous aspects of the sport and the harsh realities that the sportsmen face, adding depth and realism to the storyline.

Despite its comedic approach, the film touches upon serious themes such as societal expectations, personal identity, and how it intertwines with tradition, subtly woven into the comedic sketch, making the film a one-of-a-kind in the genre.

Sumo Do, Sumo Don't is more than a sports film. With its sharp humor and heartfelt performances, it is a touching human drama that draws attention to the universal struggles of any sporting culture and will certainly resonate with anyone who has faced similar battles, sports-related or not.

Masayuki Suo's Sumo Do, Sumo Don't, is not just about Sumo wrestling, it is as much about the people involved, their dreams, their passions, and their life, summed up in their journey to respect, understand, and master an age-old tradition and sport. Despite being a sports-comedy film set in the niche world of Sumo, its themes are universal, making it a must-watch for all cinephiles.