Smile

Directed by Takashi Motoki

A former yakuza, Joji made trouble on the street and was fired from the Family. Arriving at a manzai (Japanese stand-up comedy) training institute, he meets Midori, an ex-idol whom everyone admires. Yet Midori never smiles and she gradually becomes isolated. Joji offers to make a duo with her. She says to him, "I have already smiled and laughed for life..." Can these comedians succeed on stage as professionals?