I re-watched this after years yesterday (with English subtitles) thus I gave it a higher rewatch value.

Personally, I don't think this film is the type where people could give much expectations. The first thing that might come to mind would be : boring and plain.

Yes, I had the same exact thought, too ー despite casting my favorite actress.

Birthday Card starts off in an interview where Noriko (Hashimoto Ai) narrates her life from her childhood, and the story goes from there. We see Noriko growing up until her 20s, with her encounters, her struggles, and her relationship as she gets to know both herself and her mom through the letters she receives every year on her birthday.

The film doesn't have a glamorous cinematography, in my opinion, but instead it gives a little bit of a plain imagery and colors that really lives up to its genre of "Slice-of-life", like any Japanese Human drama.

Honestly, there isn't much to say except to give it a try! (Currently available on HBO GO app)

Watching the film gives a sense of comfortー like a warm hot chocolate or soup in a cold weather, or a sense of nostalgiaーsimilar to when you open up an old album or a box from your childhood. At the same time, it gives you a sense of growing up with our main character, Noriko, that you would want to pat yourself at the back and say, "You've done well"
by the end of the film. Truly heartwarming, so I recommend it on days you're unsure what to watch !