Directed by Shinobu Yaguchi (“Waterboys”, “Swing Girls”), this light-hearted comedy follows the travails of a crew of ANA (All Nippon Airways) on a flight from Haneda to Honolulu. After failing a virtual flight simulation, Captain Suzuki (Seiichi Tanabe) is being monitored in order to complete his training by senior pilot Harada (Saburo Tokito). Meanwhile, flight attendant Etsuko (Haruka Ayase) is on her first long-haul trip under the watchful eye of Yamazaki (Shinobu Terajima). Ground crew, terminal staff and more work together to overcome the various issues they encounter.
“Happy Flight” features a large cast of characters and plays out as a series of interconnected skits based around a flight bound for Honolulu. With the co-operation of ANA the film-makers are able to give us an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes working of one of their flights, showing what goes in to making things run smoothly. While interesting it does mean that the film feels slightly restrained in what they can show. The various issues: nervous flyers, angry passengers, lack of food options, are things that anyone familiar with flying will have encountered. Early in the film the comedy is so mild as to be almost non-existent, but as the film goes on the jokes and the drama ramp up. The large cast and multiple side-plots make for an enjoyably fast-paced watch and the actors, lead by Seiichi Tanabe and Haruka Ayase, do a great job even with the weaker material they are given.
The film shows the co-operation and hard work that goes in to running flights, from the engineers to the pilot. While it often feels like a promotional video for ANA, there is enough threat and drama to maintain interest and the incredibly likeable cast make it a fun watch.
