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August at Akiko's
August at Akiko's
7.3
/10
609 Ratings

AUGUST AT AKIKO'S

Directed by Christopher Makoto Yogi
United States, 2018
Drama

Synopsis

Armed with just his suitcase and a sax, musician Alex Zhang Hungtai returns home to Hawaii after nearly a decade, taking refuge in a Buddhist B&B with a woman named Akiko. As the two grow familiar, they embark on a journey of musical discovery.

Synopsis

Armed with just his suitcase and a sax, musician Alex Zhang Hungtai returns home to Hawaii after nearly a decade, taking refuge in a Buddhist B&B with a woman named Akiko. As the two grow familiar, they embark on a journey of musical discovery.

Our take

Christopher Makoto Yogi’s debut feature is a wonderful tribute to a place, pushing against Hollywood’s erasure of Hawaii with affection and contemplation. Starring Alex Zhang Hungtai from the band Dirty Beaches, the film is a musical dream that feels both immensely personal and culturally expansive.