They Made A Beautiful Bouquet lol

It's sort of like Before Trilogy but make it Japanese with the inner monologues and slice-of-life :3

Honestly, I'm out of words. It's just beautifully written and lovely storytelling. Doi and Sakamoto have such a great team-up. I've always been a fan of Director Doi's slice-of-life works.

And funny that before watching this movie from JFF, I watched "The Lines that Define Me" and so I was surprised to see Kaya and Kanata Hosoda in this film again lol. I remember Doi and Sakamoto are currently collaborating on another film and Kaya will also be there so maybe they grew fond of her : )

Acting-wise, Kasumi and Suda were awesome as expected. Even if this movie is mostly talking, I've never really felt bored thanks to its wonderfully-orchestrated script and plot. Moreover, I love the ending too much lmao! Just like their breakup, it ended in a fun note and that was very refreshing.

It may be just a simple story about fateful encounters, the ups and downs of romance but it sure felt quite realistic and heartwarming. Highly recommended!

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Felt

What a gentle, heartwarming movie about an unlikely friendship between a teen and an elderly born from their shared interest.

Yuki is such an inspiration. I would've loved to meet someone like her :') On the other hand, Ashida Mana was amazing. I really felt her struggle. She played her character so realistically. Man, I also won't deny how anxious I get sometimes if ever something happens to Yuki. She means the world to Urara too much. Watching the film leaves me with feelings of transcience and a sense of encouragement.

Funny enough, this is the third movie that I watched from JFF where Furukawa Kotone is present. This is just too fuwa-fuwa that now I'm thinking of watching something evil lol

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Wonderfully captured Japanese trad art film

Watched this for the first time from JFF. I'm a fan of its theme but unfortunately, it fell a bit short of my expectations knowing it's from the same prod as Chihayafuru's. The movie was good but I think it could've been executed better. Perhaps one reason was due to the postponement of its filming during the pandemic.

While I love the soundtrack and cinematography, there were times when it felt more like a music video or a Japanese SP drama. Also the direction seemed confused on developing Sosuke's character. It just felt unnatural to me. Sosuke felt more like chosen and praised out of favoritism lol. And the supporting charas just seemed to be placed there for the actors' exposure (though I must say I love Yuumi haha).

Personally, it's Kaya who really shined through this film. She perfectly encapsulated Chiaki's aura. Ryusei did great in the opening scene but in other parts, it was okay-ish. Having read the manga, he interpreted Sosuke's chara differently. I think he could've performed better but maybe the writing/screenplay is also partly to blame. Expect preachy lines too.

Nonetheless, the pacing was good and my favorite scene (spoiler) was Nishihama's sumi-e. It was just beautifully drawn and I love his art. I'd say I liked it better than Kozan's lol

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