Like Grains of Sand

Like Grains of Sand (渚のシンドバッド) is a Japanese drama film released on December 16, 1995 by Toho Company Ltd. The film was directed and written by Ryosuke Hashiguchi and features a lead role played by Japan's highest selling female musician Ayumi Hamasaki. It won three major awards in 1996 and 1997 including an award for best screenplay and two international awards. It was featured in the 1996 Toronto International Film Festival in Canada as well as the 1997 International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in Turin, Italy.

Synopsis
Shuji Ito (Yoshinori Okada) is a shy boy in the top class at secondary school. He feels attracted to his classmate and best friend Yoshida (Kōta Kusano), who is not aware of Ito's intimate feelings. The two spend time with Tōru Kanbara (Kōji Yamaguchi), whose comic actions hide his sensitive nature. Kasane Aihara (Ayumi Hamasaki) is new at school and remains aloof with her cool attitude. No one knows that at her previous school she was raped and is now in therapy. Meanwhile, Yoshida, who is currently involved with the insecure Shimizu, is interested in Aihara, the mysterious new girl. Each teen is hiding behind a wall which they must break through during this tough process of maturation.

Cast

 * Yoshinori Okada as Shuji Ito
 * Ayumi Hamasaki as Kasane Aihara
 * Kōji Yamaguchi as Tōru Kanbara
 * Kumi Takada as Ayako Shimizu
 * Shizuka Isami as Rika Matsuo
 * Kōta Kusano as Hiroyuki Yoshida
 * Yoshihiko Hakamada as Fujita

Awards
Mainichi Film Concours 1996 - Best Screenplay

Rotterdam International Film Festival 1996 - Tiger Award

Torino International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 1997 - Best Feature Film