The Best Bad Thing (1997 TV Movie) User Reviews (3)

Very good

[jewelch · 8/10 · 29 April 2021]

It's a typical film about the Japanese immigration in the American Continent, in the first half of twenty century. At that time, many Japanese dreamed to work in America, with intention to "make fortune" there and return to Japan. This didn't happen only in the United States or Canada. Many Japanese families had immigrated for other Latin-American countries, all with the same dream.

The story happens in the 30's and shows basically how the Japanese lived in the new country, and the problems that they had faced, such as culture, language, discrimination etc. Rinko is a girl who lives in the city, and has to pass the summer vacations helping her cousins and her aunt, Hata, in a small-cucumber-farm. It would have to be a boring vacation for Rinko but, in the end, she will learn important things about her culture and her origins. EXCELLENT MOVIE!!! James Welch Henderson Arkansas 4/25/21.

What I Expected But Still Good For Kids And Adults

[GrownUpKid · 29 May 2004]

Its a good movie depicting the plight of a single parent, Japanese American family during the 30's or 40's , I'm not sure, trying to survive on a cucumber farm. The acting is of a after school special quality but it still works. Hey its a canadian TV movie for kids, not everything has to be Oscar caliber. It still sends some strong messages though . I expected the Rinko character to be more annoying than she was so its OK. LOL I almost didn't recognise George Takei as an immigrant named Mr Yamanaka. He speaks less grandiose than he usually does. After viewing music videos filled scantily clad girls who are drop dead gorgeous and movies jam packed with violence and raunch its relaxing and escapist to fall back on something like this

An Excellent Movie!!!

[rickyfan3956 · 9/10 · 14 July 2005]

I gave it a 9 out of 10 because nothing is perfect. However, I loved this movie! I just watched it again today for like the 900th time. I have always been one to love Asian people, especially Chinese and Japanese. I even had Japanese roommates in college, and one of them taught me a few things in Japanese, like how to write my name and such. Anyway, back to the movie...these characters are very endearing to watch. They give me courage to face my own troubles now. Being an adult and living on my own, I can appreciate the hardships someone like Auntie Hata would have gone through, raising two boys on her own. Also, having recently gone through a break-up (the pain of that is still fresh), I can only imagine what it must be like to lose my husband! I was watching the movie and, especially at the parts where Auntie Hata grasps her head in frustration/worry, I felt tense with her, because I can empathize! All in all, a must see!