The first 4 episodes felt too slow and episodic but after that the story kicks in and the mystery sucks me in. Too many references to 80s Japan there are probably cultural things I missed since I didn't know Japan that much during that time before the bubble pops. But this is a really cleverly written mystery and human drama which theme would resonate in whatever generation you belong. As much as I held dramas written by Kosawa Ryota some of the greats like Suzuki Sensei, Legal High and Date those dramas are too preachy at times but I rarely felt that here. Matilda is such a great character maybe one of the strongest female characters in a jdrama especially if you consider the era where this story happen. What a great performance by Kiryu Mai and damn she looks so pretty in this drama. There are 2 different version of Matilda the fantasy they remember and she as a human being who inspires them in a way reminds me of Wakui Emi performance in Date. If you enjoy dramas like Brush Up Life I would also highly recommend this one.
Not gonna lie the final part felt a bit boring to me. I understand the concept and the theme they are going for but the execution imo felt flat so later episodes are the weakest imo. The strength of this drama is at the first 1/3 of the show when it was the most fun but also more authentic. The characters felt more real early episodes. Ranko the middle sister is my favorite character her development for the most part just happened in the background but I just can't help but root for characters like her. Kawai Yuumi is also magnificent actress when she is sad you also feel sad that is just how good she is. Even if it ended up the weakest asadora I've watched it is still a good drama that I didn't feel I waste my time.
Only 25 years old but already have tons of good roles and acting awards. She is taking the same path as Sakura Ando or Hikari Mitsushima than more mainstream roles. She got more indie type of projects on her resume which is good for her craft. She also doesn't look awkward playing older roles unlike actress like Mori Nana. Both still are the best actress of their generation mori nana just look damn young.
First I haven't read the original novel so I have no way to compare but to me this is a really brilliant film I ranked it a bit higher than Kokuho which makes it my best Japanese movie of 2025. Embarrassing to say but I am not familiar with any of Kazuo Ishiguro works but I have watched some films directed by Ishikawa Kei (traces of sin, innocent days, a man). I am really fan of his style how he builds tension and how he peaks my curiosity so even if some parts are slow it manage to makes me really engaged. Especially the climax part the editing ,the music, the cinematography, the reveal such unforgettable experience. The storytelling is not unique but the setting with that kind of storytelling is what makes it unique and I would say I didn't see it coming at all. There is a point in the film which I said maybe they should just stick to one core message but when the reveal happen ah now it makes sense brilliant one of the best I've ever seen.
That last part is pure catharsis, the performance, the production design, the colors, the direction, the music after witnessing 3 hours of this fictional outcast kabuki character it is one of the most powerful ending I've seen in a movie.
If they go with star power and marketability I think it will be suzu and nana mori or denguchi natsuki and nana mori. Koreeda might make the characters a bit older. But my preference would be the original voice actors mizuki yoshida and kawai yuumi imo they will do a better job. Or he could go with fresh young actors whom is closer to the original age of the characters I won't really be surprised if that were the case.
It only makes me want to check the manga cause the story felt incomplete in a way it reminds me Gyakko no Koro live action in story telling department. It just focused on the slice of life elements and not so much on the resolution. I did some research so apparently the manga author is a cancer survivor and that experience inspires him to write this manga. Simple mundane moments he missed during the time he was hospitalized and that longing was perfectly captured by his characters in this manga. I sometimes felt that too after hardtimes simple things like eating outside, running or basking under the sun felt so good. I don't know the word to explain it or is there are word to describe that phenomenon but watching this drama reminds me of it.
Mipo O comeback film is a touching family story that spans years. It tackles the subject of CODA (child of deaf adult). It follows the life Igarashi Dai as he grew up in a family where his parents are both deaf. Watching this movie made me realize how in one time we also done shit to our parents atleast for me that was the case. Good thing we all grew up realize our mistakes and become a better person. Not just the mom but the father is a good person he push his kid to Tokyo because he knew he will learn things there that are not possible in a countryside. Mipo O is one of the most progressive director in Japan working today you really feel kindness while watching her works she btw cast real deaf actors in this movie. She commented when she interview deaf people while researching for this movie they said seeing non deaf actors doing sign language in film is like watching foreigner actors with broken Japanese and you know what it makes sense.
It went too cliche towards the end but the execution of climactic scenes is still great. I would say I like the first half the most. Still a solid drama very educational when it comes to horse racing in Japan.
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9/10
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This is legendary short I found on youtube.
8.5/10