The Blue Bird
2008, Japanese. Directed by Kenji Nakanishi.
Higashigaoka Junior High School is in turmoil as one of the pupils, Noguchi, who had been bullied, attempted suicide last term. On the first day of the new term, a substitute teacher arrives to take the second year class. When the teacher, Murauchi (Hiroshi Abe), introduces himself, the pupils are surprised by his stutter. He has a speech impediment. Unable to speak eloquently, Murauchi faces his pupils with ‘words of truth’. His first instruction to the pupils is to return Noguchi’s desk and chair to the original place in the classroom. Every morning Murauchi greets the empty desk, “Good morning, Noguchi.” This causes a ripple beyond the classroom and among other teachers and parents, but Murauchi will not stop doing it. Eventually the day comes when Murauchi must leave.
- Runtime
- 1h 45m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The Blue Bird
The Blue Bird isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 29 November 2008.
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Cast & crew
- Kenji NakanishiDirector
- Hiroshi AbeMr. Murachi
- Kanata HongoShinichi Sonobe
- Ayumi ItoMs. Shimazaki
- Hajime InoueMr. Ishino
- Osamu ShigematuMr. Miyazaki
- Hiroyuki KishiMr. Koizumi
- Taiga NakanoInoue Takeshi
- Tsugumi ShinoharaTakagi Sunae
- Riho TakadaChiba Reika
- Hiroto ItôMaekawa Shugo
- Moe KarasawaOzawa Eri
- Yuko ArakiKatayama Mai
Details
- Released
- 29 November 2008
- Original title
- 青い鳥
- Country
- Japan
- Written by
- Kenzaburô Iida, Yasuo Hasegawa
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Blue Bird: quick answers
Is The Blue Bird worth watching?
The Blue Bird doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Blue Bird?
The Blue Bird runs 105 minutes (1h 45m).
Does The Blue Bird have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Blue Bird. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Blue Bird parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Blue Bird yet.
Which OTT platform is The Blue Bird on?
The Blue Bird isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 29 November 2008. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Blue Bird?
If you liked The Blue Bird, try Skater Girl, Where the Red Fern Grows, Where the Red Fern Grows.
Who directed The Blue Bird?
The Blue Bird (2008) was directed by Kenji Nakanishi and stars Hiroshi Abe, Kanata Hongo, Ayumi Ito.