Okay this one is good. It reminds me a lot of Wakamono Tachi on the way they resolve their misundertandings thru talking, as in a lot. I think 75% of the show consist of those ridiculous banters. All the characters are fun to watch and the actors are all great. The chemistry is already there. Mitsuru is the most demanding neet ever. lol
Haha! Yes, Mayu is pretty. Not only that, she's very likable too. I remember her saying in an interwiew how Kirin…
Mayu just falls into the cute idol-ish japanese actress category, and Kirin Kiki don't like that. To her the recent crop of japanese celebrities look the same as they are all trying to capture the heart of masses. There are few exceptions though just like Ando Sakura, not only an excellent actress but also the type who will play any type of roles.
It's 2 1/2 hours but I want more. I wish the playful part at the beginning was longer before everything went crazy from the middle to end. It's a must watch if you are a fan of Sono's style of filmmaking. The Forest of Love is like a combination of his other films, Love Exposure, Why don't you play in hell and Suicide Circle.
It felt rushed from middle to end that it makes the main character a total playboy for falling in love easily. There is not enough built up for the last 2 girls imo. It would be much better if they made it 16 episodes/2 seasons instead. Based on the reviews I've read about the manga, I"s should be more than a fanservice. The portrayal of love don't appear that deep. They had the concept, first love, childhoood love, long distance relationship etc. It's just a shame that with unbalanced pacing, I"s just appears to be the Coffee and Vanillla for men.
If you watched "Tomorrow I Will Date With Yesterday's You," another Miki Takahiro movie, the twist is also similar in that movie. Fortuna's Eye was just an okay movie for me. It didn't give me any goosebumps at all because I already saw that twist coming when Arimura Kasumi gaze at him through the window. Why make it so obvious lol. The acting is excellent though as expected from Kamiki Ryunosuke, and Arimura Kasumi is unexpectedly good here. But the sad thing is I didn't feel any chemistry between them, so the romance is a bit weak. They also kind of look the same as both of them could have passed as siblings. The movie also falls into the "I- wish-they-made-it-into-series-instead" category. Two key moments was just resolved very abruptly, which I feel would be more impactful in the source material.
Overall still a good watch, it has good visuals like any Miki Takahiro movies. But I guess I'm at that point where I saw so many tearjerkers that any mediocre attempt to move me won't budge me at all.
I consider myself a happy person, and I would like to think that I've never been depressed my entire life. This movie though, made me feel what it's like to have clinical depression. It felt like a quicksand was swallowing me, and there is no getting out. The recurring blackout scene didn't help at all. I may sound insensitive but I just want to point out how immersive this movie appear to me. It was like the most honest portrayal of depression and mental illness I've ever seen.
Acting is terrific. The main lead Shuri is very believable, as well as Suda. If you want to know why critics considered Suda as one of the best younger Japanese actors, it is not because of his popularity, but because of the respect, he gained from festival judges around the world. You should watch him in a non-mainstream and more subtle role. No more shouting here lol, his acting is not always animated, he can act subtly when need.
Do I recommend it? Yes, of course, because the ending is very positive and beautiful. You will learn so much from it.
8.5/10
"If nothing saves us from death, AT LEAST LOVE should save us from life." -Pablo Neruda
At least they gave us a non-cliche ending. Yes, It's bittersweet, but that's the core theme of this story "moving on," kindly read the English title above. People should not expect any shoujo vibe in this drama. It doesn't mean we get two of the biggest shoujo actors that we get the same vibe here. Let's appreciate both actors for trying to do something challenging away from their comfort zone. It will only make them grow as an actor.
I imagine if it were a shoujo drama, Toko would chase that bus like a crazy lover in a Korean drama lol, which would only add to the unnecessary drama like those midway in this drama, I would not hesitate to give this drama a six if that happened.
1 
OST
Full Review
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-forest-of-love-movie-2019-review.html
Evangelion ost intensifies
8/10
Full Review
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/2019/10/is-japanese-drama-review.html
Overall still a good watch, it has good visuals like any Miki Takahiro movies. But I guess I'm at that point where I saw so many tearjerkers that any mediocre attempt to move me won't budge me at all.
8/10
Full Review
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/2019/09/fortunas-eye-review.html
Acting is terrific. The main lead Shuri is very believable, as well as Suda. If you want to know why critics considered Suda as one of the best younger Japanese actors, it is not because of his popularity, but because of the respect, he gained from festival judges around the world. You should watch him in a non-mainstream and more subtle role. No more shouting here lol, his acting is not always animated, he can act subtly when need.
Do I recommend it? Yes, of course, because the ending is very positive and beautiful. You will learn so much from it.
8.5/10
"If nothing saves us from death, AT LEAST LOVE should save us from life."
-Pablo Neruda
Full Review
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/2019/09/love-at-least-review.html
I imagine if it were a shoujo drama, Toko would chase that bus like a crazy lover in a Korean drama lol, which would only add to the unnecessary drama like those midway in this drama, I would not hesitate to give this drama a six if that happened.
8/10