This is an interesting film to give such a high score, as I didn't really enjoy watching it. Not that the individual moments and scenes weren't enjoyable or well-made, but that the ending of the film just left me with such a feeling of emptiness and melancholy. That is the purpose of the film of course, it being a testament to the unrelenting change of our lives. The film in this respect is made exceptionally well, with the story, visuals, and characters all contributing to this feeling. The story itself is a little bland, but does it's job well and never attempts to be the focal point of the film. The centerpiece is on the characters themselves and their iteractions with the changing environment they find themselves in. I loved the camerawork (or lack thereof) in many scenes as well. Definitely one of the best mellow drama films I've ever seen.