At first sight, a Japanese film with a rather banal synopsis: a group trapped in a time loop. And yet, the film offers unexpected twists and turns, takes us on an emotional rollercoaster and, above all, makes us have a great time, even though the underlying issues are very serious. This film was definitely a surprise for me, in terms of script, acting, direction/editing and music. And I'll certainly have more consideration for pigeons in the future!

Whether you're a Japanese film fan or not, I highly recommend it! A fun and feel-good movie for all, that I will have pleasure to rewatch for sure.

Time loop comedy is becoming something of a genre, with an increasing number being made. But while the likes of Junta Yamaguchi may focus more on the filmmaking techniques for their time loops, Ryo Takebayashi takes more of a "Groundhog Day" (1993), Hell-of-repetition approach, as even working at a 'creative' agency is as endlessly repetitive as any office job.

Yoshikawa (Wan Marui) wakes one Monday morning in her office, surrounded by her colleagues having had to work all weekend to appease a demanding client. A mid-level member of the team, her two juniors approach her, trying to convince her they're repeating the same week, over and over. Putting forward some evidence (a pigeon flying into the window; people-watching out of the window), they eventually convince her this is the case (though it takes a few weeks).

Their approach is to now convince the more senior members of the team, believing this will break the cursed chain once everyone is aware of their recycled scenario. But it's not that simple. To get out of this endless cycle, a risk needs to be taken, potentially sacrificing your career.

While the time loop aspect is initially a gimmick, and there is of course repetition throughout, the story develops in a fairly linear fashion, as each team member becomes aware and learns more and more. This, therefore, doesn't exploit the gimmick too much, almost becoming a fairly straightforward comedy. With each passing week, the characters develop, as does the story and scenario, learning from their errors and changing things along the way. While stuck in a time loop, beyond a few choice moments, the week in the office is different each time, for the audience at least.

The eventual revelation to follow your own dream, rather than just doing the same thing week-in, week-out for ever-demanding clients raises the question of putting yourself first or putting others first. Though there is no obvious answer. Helping boss Nagahisa (Makita Sports) realise his lost dream sees the team put in the hours to help him, ignoring their external clients. But it's all for someone else. Nagahisa's failure is met with a shrug; happier to have a family and a quiet, repetitive life than take that risk.

Is it worth it then? Yoshikawa has to give up her personal life for her client's demands. Face-to-face, the client is likeable enough, himself having to meet the demands of his internal clients. Hard work and repetitive, long hours are necessary; it's the end goal that's important. Are you working to make a difference or purpose, or simply meeting meaningless demands? Nagahisa's real revelation is that the seeming life-or-death stresses put on staff can be easily loosened with a few, well-chosen words. To quote an old senior colleague of mine: 'no on died.'

This does what you'd expect from the scenario, and the comedy is fairly conventional and goes for crowd pleasing. This is, therefore, a good, enjoyable movie to watch. The ending has its heart in the right place, though the subject matter perhaps deserves a little more edge. From its hand gestures to its "Office Space" (1999) style, slow motion smashing of an inanimate object, this is a little light.

While staff quip they've been living the same week for years, this perhaps misses the opportunity to make more subtle jokes as to how we're all living the same week, over-and-over, time loop or not. But in a culture where 'karoshi' is a term, a more political edge should perhaps be added, highlighting the true meaninglessness of it all.

I've always put life before work in the work-life balance. I'm really working for things outside of work. And my work can be very repetitive. So, while time in the office may always be the same every week, make sure what happens outside of it isn't...if you remember you can leave it, that is.

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There are heavy, deep, end of the world time loop movies (which this fun flick references), but this is not one of them.

A very light-hearted, character-driven, single location, short and fun, really, really fun enjoyable movie. If you're nearing 50, and thinking there is no more fun in life, this is for you. If you're a young aspiring worker giving it all for your workplace, this is also for you.

No one dies (except, probably, a pigeon) and injuries are light. At worst, the characters are going through your standard work week, they won't suffer hell or worse. Movie wise, it's doing the job and more, actors are fantastic, one of those "hidden gems", as they call it.