WIldheart

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In late 1960s Tokyo, Kenta (7) loses his mother in a frenzied crowd during a trip to the Korakuen Amusement park. Makoto (11), sensing a reflection of her own in Kenta’s distress, rushes to his aid in the face of an imminent threat. Reluctant at first, she lets Kenta follow her. After a fight against bullies, he earns Makoto’s trust and is accepted as a brother. Makoto reveals her scarred past. Kenta starts dreaming of his mother. They survive as homeless friends through theft and cunning. Aiko, a student protester with a particular concern for Makoto, hires them to distribute posters in support of Isao, a troubled idol singer whose songs have become anthems for the student rebellion. Unbeknownst to her, the kids are orphans, and the job is her way of offering them some pocket money, not realizing the deeper irony.

Makoto discovers a search warrant for Kenta and carries the heavy burden of this secret throughout the story. Kenta thinks more and more about his mother—does she search for him? During a police chase, they hide in Yasuo’s taxi. Yasuo, a lonely man envious of the children's love for each other, decides to help them, seeking to fill the emptiness in his life and redeem himself toward a son who no longer wants to see him. Meanwhile, the outspoken Aiko, deeply involved in the student protests, seeks escapism. One day, she bonds with Isao, who has lost his record deal due to a scandal involving his abandonment of his own child. While he is out with Aiko, his drinking habits, ego, and temper, quickly get Isao arrested. Aiko’s, deeply disappointed, abruptly ends their connection.

Yasuo is fired and later arrested on suspicion of helping the orphans evade the police. In custody, he comes face-to-face with his estranged son, Isao, for the first time in years. This unexpected reunion leads to a heated confrontation, forcing Yasuo to confront his past mistakes and, by helping the children, approach his redemption. Isao, in turn, begins to understand his father’s struggles and develops more compassion toward him.

As the student riots escalate, flooding destroys Makoto and Kenta’s shelter, and they’re forced to flee. Makoto is injured while trying to save what little they have and becomes seriously ill. In desperation, Kenta goes to seek Aiko’s help - but on the way, he discovers the search warrant about himself and panics, running off alone in a last-ditch effort to find his mother. Aiko nurses the weakened Makoto and tells her that Kenta has gone home. Makoto, feeling better, is confronted by bullies (around her age). Aiko, who is leading the protests, finds her curled up on the ground, her few possessions scattered. Yasuo, witnessing the riots, spots Aiko and Makoto. Makoto goes in search of Kenta with his help, while Aiko tries to restore calm among the protesters.

As the riots reach their peak, Isao sees Aiko at the forefront of the movement, while it’s spiraling out of control. Faced with the harsh humility she has imposed on him, helping becomes his way of seeking her forgiveness. He releases a new song, inspired by one his father taught him, in an effort to calm the crowds. This act leads to a reconciliation between father and son. Finally, Yasuo and Makoto find Kenta in the middle of the turmoil. The kids reconcile, but it’s too late for them to stay together. Before leaving, Kenta promises Makoto they will meet again. Yasuo drives Kenta home, while Makoto, realizing the summer has come to an end, runs after the taxi.

In the distance, Aiko's warm voice can be heard calling Makoto.