——UPGRADED——
Made in the early years of internet chat rooms, Yoshimitsu Morita’s mid-1990s standout follows a young salaryman in the city with the username “[Haru]” who becomes fast friends with a fellow named Hoshi who lives in a rural town. Their anonymity allows them to open up about their loves, struggles, and cinephilia. One day, Hoshi reveals that she is a woman, but that doesn’t damage the strength of their friendship. Eventually, the two finally decide to meet in person. Morita’s keen interest in new technology and an enduring love for trains come together to create a charming tale of connection in an alienating world.