Based on a true story written by Tetsumu's real life mother, Sayuri Sakamoto, a former model-turned-owner of an elephant ranch and animal talent agency, the film starts with Tetsumu as an introverted, sensitive youth who must endure bullying at school and the souring relationship of his parents, until the arrival of an elephant named 'Mickey' and later another elephant, 'Randy' brings him the affection and spiritual bonding he has long sought in human beings. In fact, Tetsumu quickly realizes he is blessed with a natural ability to communicate with the elephants, which prompts him to depart for the jungles near Chiang Mai in Thailand to become Japan's first elephant trainer. Having found his place in the world, Tetsumu develops into a strong, confident young man, and his natural rapport with elephants enables him to complete a rigorous training program. Tetsumu returns to Japan with the dream of one day building a spacious, green 'paradise' for these gentle giants as opposed to confining them to a concrete cage. But until then, Tetsumu launches into a career as an elephant trainer for touring shows and media performances, along the way meeting and falling for a strong yet compassionate woman seven years his senior named Emi, whose appearance helps underscore the strong emotion and influence of Tetsumu's mother throughout the story. As Tetsumu and his elephants, particularly Randy, confront and overcome various challenges in the spotlight all seems well until a tragic accident takes Tetsumu's life. The elephants, devastated at having lost their human soul mate grow listless and despondent until one day, when another introverted and sensitive young boy appeared. It is Takao. Tetsumu's younger brother. |