1What a difference an extra 10 minutes can make
Whether you've watched the original mini-series or if you're considering checking out this version, look no further because this is the version you should watch if you can. Why?1) Because this version has the entire content of the original mini-series. Not a single scene or dialogue or soundtrack has been changed or omitted. So, if you watch this version you'll miss nothing from the original mini-series. The only difference for those who watched the mini-series is that you will become extremely well-versed with the opening and ending theme songs because you'd have heard them 4 times within the 4 short episodes, while in this movie they only turn up once.
2) There is a 2-minute extra scene in this Director's Cut [it's at the 1:02:06 to 1:03:58 mark] not in the mini-series which provides additional context and explanation to the decision and action of one of the main leads.
3) There is an extra 8-minute ending in this Director's Cut which isn't featured in the mini-series. The extra 8 minutes were really what the whole show needed to round it off properly. The original mini-series felt a bit too rushed and cut-short at the end and while I still loved it, the ending never really properly satisfied me. But here... what a difference an extra 8 minutes made.
Personally for me, this show is the most balanced and complete BL show I've ever seen so far. I really liked it for its adorable beginning and subsequent realistic depth of struggle. It provided an introduction to our main characters from an early part of their life, and it tracked the growth of their relationship throughout the years that followed.
The show also efficiently depicted their ups and downs, whether it be internal insecurities, societal & familial pressure to conform, and the hurt and pain of bad decisions and mistakes. It's actually a surprisingly realistic and reflective representation of the everyday normal pressures of the average LGBT person living in society.
There are also not many BL shows where one can truly visualise or see the couple really outlasting the distance but here, it's all that and more. The ending here is one of the most satisfying endings ever and it will leave you with tears in your eyes but with a smile on your face.
ACTING/ CAST
Both actors did well in their roles but I was particularly impressed with Shirasu Jin in his portrayal of Itou Akira in this show. Itou Akira had the heavier weight and the bigger character development & personal growth in the show and I'm so glad Shirasu Jin was able to wonderfully portray Akira's nervousness, fears, anxieties, worries, sadness, pain, joy and happiness (it had not escaped my notice that all of Akira's biggest smiles were for Yuki) all in the right place and time.
MUSIC
Can I just say that I LOVED the soundtrack in this show. Some scenes were made extra memorable simply because they came paired with an amazing and catchy song whose lyrics were also very meaningful and fitting for the occasion. To me, the music score was one of the best things in this film, along with the story itself.
RE-WATCH VALUE
Considering that this Director's Cut is just under 2 hours long this movie is so very easily rewatchable.
But it's ultimately the realistic, moving and heart-warming love story, and the lovely couple, that really keeps me coming back to it again and again and again.
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This review may contain spoilers
One of a kind - The only one, perhaps!
Life Senjou no Bokura presents one of the most authentic BL/LGBT storylines I've encountered, capturing a profound sense of realism and passion. The narrative masterfully navigates the complexities individuals face when grappling with their identities, vividly portraying the suffocating impact of societal and cultural pressures. While the storyline may not be entirely groundbreaking, it manages to carve out a distinct space, evoking a range of emotions from warmth and happiness to a deep sense of love. Life on Line is poised to linger in my memory for an extended period, a testament to its ability to resonate on a profound and lasting level.Story: 10/10
The narrative unfolds around the lives of Yuki and Akira, two sheltered teenagers aged 16, whose paths cross in a unique manner. Their initial encounter takes place as they walk along a road surface marking, perceiving it as a symbolic bridge in the fictional world of their shared game. To navigate challenges beneath this metaphorical bridge, they must stay on the line. Fate intervenes, and the two discover they are playing the same game, sparking love at first sight for Akira.
A routine develops where they wait for each other after school on the same line, yet for Akira, it transcends mere companionship; he longs to gaze upon Yuki's face. In the midst of confusion about his feelings, Akira rejects advances from the most popular girl and shares a meaningful kiss with Yuki. Thus begins their clandestine journey through adolescence, their love deepening against the backdrop of societal pressures.
As the weight of societal expectations bears down on Akira, he reaches a breaking point, choosing to end his relationship with Yuki to spare him a life fraught with challenges. Despite the breakup, Akira's love for Yuki remains steadfast, almost overwhelming. Akira proceeds to marry the popular girl, attempting to embrace a "normal" existence, but the void left by Yuki persists, resisting normalization. Yuki, on the other hand, experiences heartbreak and anguish.
Realizing the gravity of his mistake, Akira undergoes a profound transformation. He courageously confronts his family, bares his emotions in coming out, and takes the difficult step of divorcing his wife. Over the course of three years, Akira relentlessly searches for Yuki, driven by an unwavering commitment to fulfill a promise made during their shared dreams—to witness the aurora together. As he embarks on this journey, fate takes a surprising turn, and while venturing to the very place where they once aimed to bring closure to their ill-fated relationship, Akira finds Yuki. Amidst a storm of emotions, Yuki forgives Akira, marking a poignant and unexpected reunion that solidifies their shared destiny once more.
Yuki is warmly embraced into Akira's family, where he is graciously accepted. The two decide to move in together, embarking on an ordinary yet profound journey, navigating life's challenges side by side. Strengthening their bond, Akira formalizes Yuki's place in his life by registering him into his household, legally cementing their connection as a family. Together, they face the complexities of life with resilience, forging a path forward as a united and legally recognized family.
At 85, Yuki, now known as Ituo Yuki, wears two rings as he awaits their eventual reunion in a hospital bed. Serenely departing the hospital, Yuki, seemingly transformed into his 16-year-old self, steps onto the very same road surface marking where their paths first intertwined. At the culmination of the line, a spectral Akira, forever eternally 16, envelops Yuki, and together, they transcend into the eternal beyond, leaving behind mortal constraints.
Acting: 10/10
Shirasu Jin as Akira and Raiku as Yuki, were out of this world in their roles. I can not criticise, it was acting done right in their respective roles. All other supporting characters, shined as well.
Music: 10/10
Oh... I love the music given by band Ryu Matsuyama, all of the songs are mellow and with pop touch, my favourite are "Go Through, Grow Through", "Love is Coming Home", and "No Better Place (inst)".
Rewatch value: 100/10
This series/film is a heartwarming journey that offers a spectrum of emotions. From heart-wrenching moments to instances of joy, the narrative seamlessly weaves together elements of reality and love. It is a tale that unfolds with a perfect balance of poignant and uplifting moments, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. The ending, while breaking your heart in a happy way, is so compelling that the desire to witness the characters' journey persists. This is one of those rare stories that begins with a clean slate and concludes with a satisfying and proper end, providing a complete and fulfilling narrative experience.
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Hopping on the train or following ones line is not alway an easy choice to make..
This movie is an emotional ride, as we get to follow the lives of these two boys to men... from the wild imagination to the bitter reality struggling and trying to balance the pressure of leading a normal life and being true to ones self.This drama shows quite a few issues in a very honest and I dare say real way, as many people will /have found them selfs dealing with these struggles, gay or not. Life is always harder on those who stick out and while it may be easier to just hop on that normalcy train... It is a lot more painful.
The leads are in no way perfect, while one is more lovable than the other (in my opinion), both have their flaws just like most humans making them relatable, and making me feel for them. I did of course also want to beat a few people up as we get to see both racism and homophobia disguised as concern how this could be concern is of course beyond me but I know there are a whole bunch of people who actually do believe their racism is concern and well this movie does a pretty good job showing both the internalised homophobia one may feel as well as a whole bunch of shades of homophobia, but also a whole lot of love, lust and everything in-between.
The movie has quite a few really good inner monologs showing just how important (yet again) communication is, as well as just taking a step back and listening to ones partner instead of assuming things as one of the leads does get a lesson in both consent, and regret and so on and so on...
So what can I say... It is a good movie, not always easy to watch but it is a good movie
In numbers:
Consent: 7
Chemistry: 10
Romance: 8
Real feel: 9
Lovable characters: 8 (one of the male leads is a d*** sometimes)
Depth: 10
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This review may contain spoilers
What's meant to be is meant to be
I'm bawling my eyes out while writing this review. I've already watched the series about 2 weeks ago and this was the only time that I was able to watch the Director's Cut. I've already fallen in love with the series but watching this movie made me love it even more because of the extra scenes or minutes that were added to it. It's rare that a series or a movie would be able to make me cry but in this instance, there were similarities in this movie to my real life so I could feel every single emotion that these two characters were going through. So, here's my take on this movie.STORY: It's 10/10! The best storyline that I was graced to watch. It's not the typical love story that you would often see in BL series or movies. The storyline was incredible due to the fact that it showed us how Akira and Yuuki grew throughout the years. Starting from being 17 all the way up until Yuuki turned 82 (loved how the name on the bed was shown as Itou Yuuki, I really enjoyed this small detail). The love that they had for each other even after being separated for 8 years was pretty strong. It's rare to see that nowadays. I loved how the director was able to seamlessly put into motion everything that happened to them throughout the years. There was no dull moment. And that ending, there are not enough words that would describe how happy I felt to see that ending. A marvelous way to end the movie.
ACTING/CAST: 10/10! Everyone was in their game. They were able to portray their characters really well. The chemistry between Shirasu Jin (Akira) and Raiku (Yuuki) was so on point from their actions, the way that they looked at each other, the way that the characters interacted was so astounding. I was carried away every time Yuuki cried. I wanted to strangle Akira for what he did to Yuuki. I kept on saying that he deserved the sadness and the pain that he was feeling when he started to realize that he made a mistake. I felt the anger that he had when he punched Akira in Alaska. I felt that Yuuki did the right thing and Akira deserved that punch. I'm gushing at this point because I really commend the actors in this movie. That smile on Raiku's face is unforgettable!
MUSIC: 10/10 as well. The music was on point. It matched the setting, the emotions, the character.
REWATCH: 10/10. I've watched the series and I loved it and I didn't hesitate to watch the Director's Cut either.
OVERALL: 10/10! This movie and the series deserve this rating. I enjoyed watching it. I plan to watch it again. I learned a lot from it. Cried over the pain and the anger. I loved how this movie showed what it's like being in love, being in pain, falling apart, and finding each other again. It gives me hope and I love that this movie makes me feel that way.
EXTRA: Did anyone notice that Hao Ting and Xi Gu (HIStory3: Make Our Days Account) was also in Alaska enjoying the Aurora? I was so surprised and I was laughing while crying.
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Beautiful and Realistic.
I directly began the director's cut without watching the drama and here are a few if my jumbled thoughts. This movie is better to be "felt" than read as words don't serve justice to the experience of witnessing Akira and Yuki's journey.☆ With a very less crowded cast, Life Sejou No Bokora brings out the beautiful chemistry between Yuki and Akira. We spent 80% of the story with them. Each step of their journey is catalogued smoothly. The time skips were spot on. Not to mention, the cast including the few supporting characters delivered excellent performances.
☆ It brought out issues about parents' expectations about their children and the society's view on what's considered normal. I'm one of the few who dares to go against the tide and seeing such a portrayal was satisfying. I will strive to be like Akira's older sister.
☆ I particularly loved how the lead actors brought their characters to life. Pretty sure I won't be forgetting Yuki's radiant smile anymore. I liked the internal conflicts of Akira. (There were several scenes involving the sun and light that were beautifully shot with the two of them.)
☆ Despite all that, there was a moment that I almost came to dislike a character. The pacing after around an hour seemed really quick. The low rewatch score is cause I almost never rewatch movies.
All in all, Japan has an uncanny talent in making very simple productions appear fulfilling. And this is one of the best simple and heartwarming stories I've watched. My review sucks, but I'd suggest that you dive directly into the movie without hesitation!
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Wish I watched it earlier
First of all, I want to say that I watched this after the mini series. So I came prepared (not for the end though) and I already had deep feelings toward this story. I wish I gave it a try before watching the series for two reaons:1. The director's cut flows waaay better than the single episodes do. I don't know how to describe it but it felt different. This way, the whole plot makes a completely different impact on the viewer's experience. The logical thread is easily perceivable and somehow even clearer. The viewer's experience is definitely on another level.
2. The final part. In the series, they don't really show an epilogue, or at least the way it would deserve. I read comments of people saying you won't regret watching those 10 or so extra minutes at the end. And oh dear if that's true. In the series, everything is so rushed I didn't even have time enough to realize what was happening/the scenes per se. In the director's cut they put what I think is THE ending. That was what I (didn't know I) needed to see and it also made me cry (both of sadness and joy). THAT final part is totally worth it.
I took advantage of the situation to rewatch it and this time I received something even more precious in return. I highly recommend it to both people who already watched the series and those who yet have to. I think you can just jump to this movie. If I knew it earlier, I probably would have watched this instead.
Overall, this story is so honest and realistic, that it really left a mark on my soul. This could easily be my fav BL of all time and, honestly, it easily went straight to my top 3. An imperfect love story but somehow perfect at the same time. Their love surely is strong and deep. That kind of love that unites the souls in a special way. That kind of love that's indescribable.
Applause to the actors too. They fit so good with their roles! I enjoyed the soundtracks too.
I would probably rewatch it for a hundred times, and never get bored or tired of it.
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Ugh!
1. Yuki deserved SO much better than Akira.2. The fact Akira randomly dumped Yuki after ELEVEN YEARS and married a whole other person for several years before taking off his clown makeup and standing up to his mother...
3. Akira literally ruined his whole life like tf?! This plot ruined the whole relationship for me. He did not have to destroy Yuki like that. ?
4. The ending was very mixed emotions. Bittersweet and depressing. I was still reeling over the last 40 minutes of Akira throwing a grenade to his life.
5. I wanted to love this and feel like I got too caught up in my feels to enjoy the rest of this movie. ? He could've broken up for a couple years and been single. Accepted a job somewhere. Anything, but what he actually did. & the seven or eight years it took for them to get back together... nah nah nah NAH.
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A must-watch!
I didn’t know I needed this till I watched it. I hadn’t any expectations from it, and it was surprisingly beautiful. Really good story.I think is one of the best BL’s I ever watched; probably it’s the most pretty, simple, and realistic. It was so unique and cute. I loved it.
The actors have great chemistry, it felt so real and natural watching the relationship of the characters.
I definitely recommend it, I watched this version because I saw that it was a little different and better than the episodes and I think it won’t be necessary watching them anymore, I’m well-satisfied. It was so wholesome! I even wanted to cry because of how sweet it was.
10/10
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This review may contain spoilers
Those extra minutes added made this story perfect for me
I recently found out that there was a director's cut of this series. And I am glad that I watched it! Those extra few minutes added something that was definitely missing from the series. I gave the series 9.5 cause I felt that something just wasn't there. This director's cut movie- it had what was missing!Story-10/10
I never knew the importance of just a few minutes that made me appreciate this so much! The ending scene, I got teary eyed cause it was so emotional. Rhwy got together. Akira died. Yyuki lived out his remaining life. And when he died, they were finally reunited. Also the scene with Akira and his friends also added to us viewers why he did what he did. We may not like him for it, but now we understand. These few minutes already added to a beautiful story.
Acting/Cast-10/10
Loved the actors. They were able to bring across the characters and their stories to us fans in a moving and stunning way.
Music-10/10
The music in this was able to weave the scenes beautifully and I loved it so much!
Rewatch Valu- 10/10
If I had to chose between this and the series, I will choose to rewatch the director's cut. Why? Cause those extra minutes in the director's cut makes Akira and Yyuki's story more heartwarming. I would most definitely recommend it!
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1This review may contain spoilers
Director's Cut Completes The Story (watch this, not the series!)
Realistic, honest, and overall heart-warming.General spoilers. The biggest thing is that this director's cut has an extra 10 min that makes the end immensely more satisfying than the rushed & abrupt series end! (There's a great & helpful review by MusicalVeggies too.)
The cinematography and coloring were symbolic and beautifully done. Yuuki is like the sun and brings soft orange warmth. When he and Akira aren't together, life is a lonely cold-blue.
The mental conflict Akira went through was so realistic and hit home for me. Though it was hard to forgive the character it was an honest portrayal of a struggle that, sadly, not everyone conquers. At least Akira finds a way through it, as messy as it is for multiple people's lives.
The screenplay did a great job with that moment one realizes the ideology behind their thoughts and actions are not actually their own, but rather learned from family or society. And then also with the moment where something snaps and the determination to finally accept and choose what's best for oneself leads to the resolve to stop pretending to be "normal" and stand up for oneself.
For those struggling to understand certain actions of Akira, keep in mind that in Asian culture especially, there is tremendous pressure to marry and have children because society (and even status) is extremely family-oriented. This pressure is not emphasized in the screenplay because, I believe, it is already a cultural understanding.
Raiku as Yuuki was perfect. Yuuki didn't have as big of an arc in character growth to go through, but Raiku embodied all of his emotions deeply. It came through in his face, voice, and body. Every emotion he felt, especially when he was hurting, I felt deeply too.
Shirasu Jin was very good but his emotional experience as Akira felt flatter even though the character had more emotional arcs to go through. There was just a little something missing in nuances and behind the eyes for me. It was largely because of this that the shorter series end wasn't satisfying. Continued below but there is a spoiler on the ending...
ENDING SPOILER.
I needed to see more than 1min of them being happy in their life together to be able to feel their happiness myself after the 8(?) years of pain Akira put Yuuki through before going back to him. The director's cut gave me that.
The music fit well and was often beautiful. There were two specific songs I added to my playlist.
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Cute but Superficial
I was a bit underwhelmed by this movie and found it spread too thinly to really realise any depth. It suffered from trying to achieve too much in too little time. The film explored the familiar territory of trying to be and feel normal in a society that does not accept you as such, but without a unique angle to give it originality. The snippets of life and relationship at different stages that we were offered did not really allow me as a viewer to connect with either character and I didn’t feel much chemistry between the actors either.The love story was sweet and cute but relied on a quirky and often hackneyed script that did not always give credibility to the emotions being expressed. There was little subtlety to be had from the direction and cinematography, which could have better utilised facial expressions and body language to convey the message and the mood instead of the bland and obvious spoken thoughts. I would strongly recommend “Old Fashion Cupcake” as a far superior watch for anyone who enjoys this type of genre and is looking for a more mature approach.
What my rating means: 6+ Some aspects of it were OK but it had serious flaws. It will pass the time but you can find something better.
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