Sekai kara Neko ga Kieta nara is one of those films that you anticipate to hit theatres for months and goes beyond all of your possible expectations. I have been waiting for this film since December, the last time I was at the theatre, and I have waited excitedly since then. For those that are not aware, this is actually a novel adaptation, and while I cannot attest to the accuracy of the adaptation I would argue that as a stand alone this movie is basically flawless. Yet again, I chose to see a movie that was very heavily marketed in both music stores and the clothing store in which the film had a partnership, and it should not defer anyone from watching the film.
As the synopsis suggests, this film is about a postman that discovers he will die very quickly of a terminal illness. He meets a devil of sorts when he arrives home and the story goes on from there. It's about love, family, friends, and about facing your own mortality. The way that the film was produced is beautiful and leaves a personal impression on those watching the film. You could not ask for a better execution of such a serious and dark story line. If you want a good cry, this movie is a must watch. I cried the whole movie and continued to do so through the whole credits and after the theatre lights turned back on.
The cast for the film was also excellent. Again, because I haven't read the novel I am not sure how well they match the description or vision of the author, but in my opinion they all did an excellent job. Being a fan of Sato Takeru, I was really excited to see how he would do in such a serious role. In a way the role is kind of reminiscent of The Liar and her Lover, though in that film his character is much less expressive. A few years ago Sato Takeru was the handsome young actor acting in manga adaptations, while he still does that it is wonderful to see his talent through other means; he does very well with a wide variety of story types and he always impresses me with his versatility. I didn't know the other actors but they were all excellent. With this kind of subject matter I am always very wary of Japanese films and how they will portray such raw emotion but I was not disappointed in the least. They were all so lovely and I look forward to seeing what other works they were in.
Music for Sekaneko was produced by Sony. The main song of the movie, also used in the trailer, is sung by a new 17 year old artist that goes by the name HARUHI. The song is dark and sad and mysterious sounding which I think is perfect for the film. The song also manages to carry a hopeful note which is also important to the story. It's a beautiful song and matched the film perfectly. Other songs from her debut release are also used in the movie with their instrumental versions. They are also the type of song that makes your heart quiver and only aids you in crying along with the characters.
As with my previous review, 9.5/10 on rewatch value is purely out of fear of ruining the original feelings that I could experience while watching the movie. It's absolutely a must watch for anyone with any interest in the sad, Sato Takeru, or contemplation of life and relationships. I now plan on moving to the novel after I have studied kanji a bit more so that I can see the story in it's original form. After DVD release or if you have a chance to see it in Japan, please enjoy!
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This review may contain spoilers
"And then comes one Japanese slice of life and completely erases all the other movies she has seen in last couple of years..." Pretty much the first thought that came to my mind after watching this movie. It has blown me away. With every single thing in it. I had some idea about the plot and I knew it was gonna be some tragedy and illness thing but definitely haven't thought that it'd be such a gem, such a rare thing to watch, such phenomenal piece of art. Yes I think this movie is art. Poetic, artistic, so imaginative, full of parallels and metaphors, visually stunning, with excellent music and brilliant acting and writing. I seriously feel so weird now, I can not explain, I'm sad, I cried near the end like crazy, I'm devastated, I'm strong, I'm grateful and thankful and above all I am happy that I am alive. Description of the movie is already given on movie page so this won't be a spoiler for what I'm gonna say. Just imagine that you find that you're sick and that you're gonna die and suddenly you can extend your life in exchange for some things to disappear each day. I mean the sole idea is very original and interesting and from the first moment it caught my attention but with this pace and this excellent writing it really hit me hard. With each of those things that were disappearing, also memories with a certain person important in his life disappeared as well. With each day it was a new struggle, a new shock, a new fight in his mind and heart, terrifying knowledge that if you want to gain something, you must lose something, and when that biggest attack came, the most difficult thing he could ever lose, then it comes the final acceptance of his fate and his sickness. It was pretty hard to watch those scenes as they were very emotional and with pure rawness. I can't give enough credit to Sato's performance as he was simply incredible, his eyes, his smile, his way of talking, crying, yelling and dealing with everything, all of it was beautiful to watch. He really showed with this role that now there isn't anything he can't do and I'm glad cause of him. As most of the time he was the only one on the screen, I can't say that the others were in the same spot as he was but Miyazaki Aoi and Harada Mieko were amazing in their portrayals too, which was expected from such huge talents like they are. What amazed me the most is that by each encounter, by each of his choices we learn something new, new life lesson, new meaning of choices we make and consequences of that, we experience everything together with him and so easily imagine ourselves in his place, it was so easy to do that. And in the end what this movie really wants to say to us is what really counts -love, bonds and relationships we achieve in our lives. That even if you come to the most difficult and terrible point in your life, there will be always something, someone to make you feel good. To make you feel alive and realize why you're alive in the first place. That nothing can compare to the people you love and care about. That it is better to be loved, to love your family, friends, children and partners to the fullest even if it means that you'll live shorter, all that is better than being alone in the world without anyone to call to, to watch a movie with, to travel with but live a long life. I finally understand what 'If Cats Disappeared From the World" means. And it is something the most powerful. Go and watch this movie, either you're a slice of life fan or not, you won't be indifferent to this one. p.s. And watch movie till the very end so that you could hear the ending song and read the lyrics, it has such a deep meaning and perfectly goes with the whole movie progress. Was this review helpful to you?
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What I liked about the movie is that it showed how significant a simple thing can be. Like phones, or movies… even cats. Have you ever imagined not having cats around? That being asked, this movie has a statement. It could be an eye opener or a sleep inducing kind of show. Depends on how you would perceive it as you watch. The story line is really heartfelt and yes, sad. I would have to say it hence I put your hopes up that this is going to be a happy movie, because come on and let’s face reality! Not everything has a happy ending. However, along the journey we get bits and pieces of lessons learned and lifelong good memories.
The sub-characters are a plus point for me here even though I find the main character lacking. I have nothing against Sato Takeru as the main lead, but I find his character a bit of a pacifist. For someone who is about to die, I feel that he’s not much determined to live even at the beginning. Anyway, putting my thoughts aside, my favorite character would be the best friend. Hamada Gaku known as Tatsuya the nerdy looking guy who manages a movie rental store. I for one would love to have friend like that, someone who would think that their friendship is a never ending cycle because of a certain connection that they have. Other characters worth mentioning are: Aoi Miyazaki and Harada Mieko. I honestly watched this film because of Aoi and as usual, she never fails to trigger my heart strings whenever I see her on screen. I think her character as the girlfriend has more debt than Takeru’s. Harada on the other hand who acted as the mother portrayed a woman who cared and loved his son as much as she could.
Music wise, it was a beautiful accompaniment to the film’s sad undertone. The mood was perfectly set because of the melody and if the movie ran without the music, it would have been boring and pointless. Cinematography was also amazing, the aerial capture and the video angles gave this vibe that there is more to life than it seems. It had vibrant colors and then dull ones, which seemed to let the viewers feel what the characters on screen are actually feeling.
I rated this movie 7.5/10 due to the main character's flaw and the melancholy feeling the film gave me all throughout. I'm a rom-com kind of girl and being unhappy isn't my forte. All in all, I would still recommend this show even if it’s not a feel good one, but for the lessons we could learn and for the things we take for granted. It has a statement and a very lovely one at that.
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Being a Sato takeru fan, I had been waiting for this movie since the news of him playing in it came.
Then when it came out, I got the feeling that I shouldn't watch it. It's been a few months and I always looked at the images and comments but I was feeling that it wasn't the right time yet.
Then today I woke up and automatically I started watching it without even realizing it.
I wasn't disappointed.
Story:
Ok, the story may be a bit predictable, even more if you've read the synopsis. You can even guess how it will get done ect ect. But anyway, it was very enjoyable and there were some surprises.
Seeming-casual moments of life that are actually so important. They were so beautifully depicted!
You know what will happen, but that won't make you stop watching it, because you know it will be beautiful.
Acting:
As I said, I was already a Sato Takeru fan since a few years, so my opinion is probably biased, but I have to say his acting was top notch. The way he portrayed the devil was amazing and so different from the main character. Really, I was surprised. I like when he plays in movie like that or like "Real" (another of his movies that is kinda similar I think)
As for the other actors, I thought the mother played really well. You could see everything in her eyes and I love that. The girlfriend was really well played too, and the father fitted his role well. Well, they had fitted their roles haha.
And kudos for the cats That stayed so still and this everything like they had to x) gosh they were so cute hehe.
Music: well it's always said that music makes a good movie. Here, I wasn't disappointed: there were A LOT of music (well, you need at least that much for that kind of movie haha) and they were good musics and always on point.
Rewatch value: of course I will rewatch it! Maybe I'll see something that I didn't see while watching it for the first time. And the story is so beautiful... Yes, there is a good rewatch value because even though you already know more or less most of the story before even watching it the first time, it's still so enjoyable to watch. So yep.
Total: well, I just have to say that I think this movie could have been more. Or that it was complete, but then another movie should do more- I don't really know how to say it...
I feel like it was very beautiful and enjoyable but at the same time it's just like this movie did what it had to and nothing more. But maybe if I had watched it on a cinema screen it would've been different, as the beauuuuutiful images would probably have got more effect on me. I still think it is a very beautiful and poetic movie and that you need to sit comfortably and be totally awake to watch it, so that you can watch it and understand it entirely. I liked a lot the structure of the movie too.
It's not a sad movie actually, more like a beautiful life movie- life and death , yep, but about the beautifulness of life ~
So sit comfortably and go watch it!!
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The devil asks a pretty good question to the main character here.
I was reluctant to watch this movie. Plots about illness aren’t my piece of cake but this time I gave it a try.
Unexpectedly , this movie doesn’t even talk about illness so seriously.
The plot is simple but its has lots of good life lessons tangled up in its story.
THE PLOT:
A young boy finds out that he has just a day to live due to a terminal illness. He meets the devil who gives him the opportunity to extend his life for just one day each time he decides to erase something from this world.
It might sounds like the typical sad movie in which the main character struggles to survive and die miserable because of the pain of his incurable illness. Maybe with a love story who makes you cry during the movie.
Thanks God, it isn’t.
The Devil isn’t just tempting the main character. He’s teaching him a lesson. Would you erase everything from this world, basically your own valuable memories and things, just to run away from your death? During the movie the main character is tested by the devil. Erasing things, like cellphones or movies, means to erase all the good memories connected to them. He wasn’t just erasing things, he was erasing his own life from this world.
CHARACTERS:
Different types of characters faced each other in this movie.
The best friend with his touching sentences about friendship and his huge obsession for movies.
The ex girlfriend met thanks to a wrong call.
The parents and their pretty common family.
The Devil, with his long fingers and his sarcastic giggle.
The Devil was supposed to play the bad guy here. But in the end he was actually helping out the main lead.
Amazing acting skills, Takeru’s crying scenes are so stunning that almost makes you cry along with him.
I’ll give this movie a 9.5 out of 10. The cinematography is stunning, even though some scenes were badly filmed.
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So based on that premise the movie is suposed to have a powerful story, and there is when the movie fails, the story have wonderful moments, but are only a few moments, so overall it feels too long and too slow and not really memorable.
The visual effects, the photography and the cast are really good, the characters are enjoyable i liked Sato Takeru, i think he is a great actor.
So if you really wanna cry with some story based on the same theme, life and death, i would recomend you to watch Boku No Ita Jikan (is a drama not a movie), but if actually you cry for everything, then maybe this movie is for you.
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The Perfect Japanese Art Film - A Must Watch
This film that will remind viewers of love and loss, but also guide us to appreciate what is special and beautiful in life. Especially cats.Eight years on from its release, "If Cats Disappeared From The World" maintains its gentle, existentialist, and esoteric appeal, as a possible Japanese homage to Ingmar Bergman's cinematic masterpiece, "The Seventh Seal" (a knight plays chess with Death on the beach), while staying true to Japanese social culture.
Satoh Takeru has enjoyed a powerful career since this film, and is renowned for tackling emotive roles that other actors might find difficult: he can weep big, manly tears and in the same scene, ponder the magical wonder of the universe. And that, my friends, is why he is so in demand today as "The Actor's Actor" and the intellectual person's sex symbol. He turned 35 just a few days ago and has already amassed an amazing acting portfolio. He's headed for Hollywood: watch that space.
Here, the dialogue is beautifully restrained; the music punctuates the scenes with pulsing electronica and gentle piano in alternate scenes of joyful youth and inevitable tragedy. Satoh skillfully balances dual roles, capturing the essence of a dying postman and his irreverent alter ego, amid flashback scenes highlighting the cycle of life.
*** THANK YOU FOR READING! "Follow" to be notified of more reviews. Enjoy! ~Fumiyawagi
28 March 2024
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This review may contain spoilers
"To gain something, we have to lose something.""As long as there is a good story, there will always be someone to talk. Only with that life isn't something to thrown away."
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Honestly, I'm a little bit miss-focused when I watch this movie (^_^;) I always search for the cat and sometimes not paying attention to the story, so I must replay some scene (^_^;) But, this story is great...the conversation between the inner self who afraid of death...I didn't realize that at the beginning. The plot a little bit confusing in the middle, but that's the uniqueness of this movie I think.
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Dalam film masalah ini disampaikan lewat elemen fantasi.Untungnya fantasi-nya gak kelewat mengawang-awang,malah cenderung straightforward kalo aku bilang.Sampe sini gak masalah.Yg jd msalah adalah walau filmnya diadaptasi dr novel tp hasilnya terlihat ini seolah-olah kumpulan cerpen.Cerita terbagi mejadi fragmen2 kisah sendiri tanpa ada kisah besar yg mengikatnya lbh kuat.Satu-satunya benang merah adl karakter Sato Takeru.Dampaknya adl kita tdk merasakan impact yg lbh uth dr film ini.Ada fragmen yg kita suka,tp mungkin ada yg kita tak terlalu peduli.Naskahnya seperti tdk ingin memilih 1 kisah sbg fondasi utama dan memilih utk menyangga film dgn beberapa pilar2 kecil yg dihias cantik.Filmnya menarik tp tdk cukup kuat.
If cats dissapear from the world. kenapa judulnya itu meaw? Ternyata hal di dunia ini yang sangat berarti bagi si aku adalah kucing. Kucing, mendekatkan si aku dengan ibu, mendekatkan aku dengan ayah, mendekatkan aku dengan keluarga meaw~. Walaupun tak ada kata, cinta ayah didunia ini ternyata bisu. yang bisa menjawab hanyalah ombak yang ada di pantai meaw~
Mungkin ane salah, tapi film ini menceritakan bagaimana akhirnya takeru bisa menerima takdirnya bahwa dia sebentar lagi akan meninggalkan dunia ini, setelah dia membayangkan satu-persatu bagaimana jika dirinya hilang dari dunia ini, dari memory sahabatnya dan mantan pacarnya.
Tetapi ketika dia hendak membayangkan kucing lenyap dari dunia, he can't.
Dan akhirnya tersadar bahwa ada yang lebih berharga daripada sekedar hidup lebih lama.
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