Pika**nchi Life Is Hard Therefore Happy (2004)

I watched this film immediately after watching the Prequel, and was surprised by how different the vibe was. While I had enjoyed the first film, I feel it lacks the heart that this film has. Not just because the characters have grown up in this film and are experiencing adulthood (and the actors, I believe, have become much more experienced :)), but because the simple scope of this movie is that of an entire community and what it means to be a part of it. The ending of this film was amazing, and I think that it is one I will want to rewatch. It transcended the humor to be about a lot of people, and I think that's what I enjoyed the most. :) I would recommend it, especially if you enjoy Arashi!

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Seriously, this was a great sequel/ending for the first movie. It wrapped things up, but not so much that it would definitely seem that it's the end. The cast was really well done, but I still focused mainly on the Arashi members. They each played such different characters than I'm used to seeing them as, which is fantastic to see because they're all such amazing actors in their own rights. I have to say, I like watching them "branch out" like this, so to say. This is a really good movie; still pretty funny, with more seriousness peppered in, as well as still light on romance and definitely focusing more on a "slice of life" style. I really hope this doesn't give away too much, but convinces others to watch the first movie and this sequel! It's seriously really, really good!

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