1
realdeal
philippines
I Am Hero is based on a Manga of the same name and It has been one of my favorites in recent years and let me remind you Manga is not yet finished so the movie as well, but that doesn't mean the movie will leave you hanging, in fact they adapted the best ARC in the Manga and finished it damn well and they did convey that theme in the Manga in this movie, so what is the theme? Well just read damn the title my friends.
The story revolves around Hideo who is a once a promising mangaka but his dreams always stay out of reach for the reason that his characters were pretty normal like him, he has a relationship that is about to end, in short he is somewhat your typical loser protagonist. One day zombie apocalypse happens, miraculously he's one of those who survive then he met this girl that he promised to protect with his life. One interesting thing about this movie is its setting, it is in Japan where there are only few people who owns a gun and our protagonist owns it as a hobby. This gun is vital to the story as owning a shotgun at this situation means you are the king, this became the point of conflict with humans in the story as someone wanting it badly enough to kill for it and the way it serves as a metaphor for Hideo's character development is a work of a mad genius, like only in japan, the land of metaphors.
Visual effect are spectacular as they did something very different here, zombies veins are black, they deform differently once they became zombies, They move and contorts like insects. The sound effects are amazing too, the squishy sounds once their head exploded was done right. Music is intense if it needs to be intense. Song at the end it quite nice, it captures the atmosphere of the movie well.
Oizumi Yo gives a solid performance his zero to hero transformation was believable, though he doesn't look like the character in the Manga at least his persona reflects hideo, kudos to him. As for Nagasawa Masami and Arimura Kasumi, they were at least mediocre. I was especially disappointed with Nagasawa Masami's character cause that character is very different from the manga, her character supposed to be a baddass. Kasumi Arimura's character didn't do as much here so I can't asses how he did in this film.
So how would this stack up against other zombie titles? well let's say to me it made zombies scary again and kind off remind me why this genre has been one of the favorites for these past decade and that last minutes was a FREAKING-INTENSELY-GORY-HEAD-EXPLODING FINALE.
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Before watching I already knew the this would be a sad story but at the same time I am confident that I would not cry, I am kind of immune to that since I've seen a lot of sad movies, and I am right, I didn't cry, but that doesn't mean the story is NOT sad cause it is, but I felt that that they made the ending bitter sweet because based on how people describe the anime it would have been a cry fest.
Now for the thing that I really like, the theme in the movie, I love how the movie conveys their connection thru music, I felt that it is so romantic like it is their love letter for each other, and just like the phrase they say to each other "will it reach you?". With that theme conveyed so well only made their performances so much better, technically they are already brilliant but with so much emotions attached to the performance made that scene EPIC.
Cinematography is beautiful, it is one of those colorful Japanese movies, seems to be the trend nowadays. Music is given to be excellent but what I am surprised is how well they play the instruments, one movie come to mind that could rival this in terms of the skills of playing the instruments in a movie and that is Jay Chou's "Secret". I like the ending song as well, I don't understand japanese but its melody captures the ambiance of the movie.
Great acting from both Kento and Suzu, you can tell that they come a long way especially Suzu but now I can say they are capable of portraying complicated characters. It is reported that they went intense training playing violin and piano for their respective roles and it paid off well as their performance is believable, which is important to be called a good adaptation and they nailed it in this department. Side characters are the issue here like I didn't feel them, probably lack of screen time I guess, such a shame though because I really want to see more of Anna Ishii, I felt that her talent was wasted in her role.
I feel that many guys will love this film like imagine one day you saw a beautiful girl under a cherry tree then from that moment your life change, happens to me (not under the cherry tree though).
Kaori: Did I find a place in your heart?
Arima: You step all over it.
-literally me
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This stupid law serves as the plot device for the character development of these characters, it taught them a lot about themselves, what they want in a partner and also what they lack as a person. It also raised a lot of question on peoples view on marriage, how it affects their lives and especially the role of minorities in a society where this law is implemented such as people who don't have Japanese citizenship, people who are sick and members of LGBT, so in some way this law is not pure negative but there is also positive like the awareness this law brought up. With so many layers and prejudices in this 8 episode drama, it may sound so ambitious but in my opinion they pull it off quite brilliantly.
Romance is not the main point in the story, it is the philosophy of marriage, but it doesn't mean there is no couple we can root for in this story. Acting is quite good from the actors but the stand out is definitely Nomura Shuhei, who brilliantly portrays this character who suffers from OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). Music by Yu Takahashi is so good and damn catchy that it always managed to hype every episode.
The ending is cute and you can tell this law is the best thing that happen to our leads. They grow up to a person they wanted as their partner, which makes them suited for each other in the end, and I love the phrase "Marriage isn't a human obligation, but you also have the right to get married".
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Tales of the Misfits
Characters are self obsessed, angsty, self-destructive and in some sense rejected by society. I was truly absorbed by these characters throughout the movie, and being a coming of age film lover, I really like the character study treatment they have given on each character especially the interview part. Film was deep, very philosophical, it tackles existentialism quite profoundly. I also heard it was based on a manga so if that's true that would make it the darkest and the most depressing manga based movie I've ever seen. I also love the setting, it is set in an industrial area in 1990's, and vibe is a blend between depressing and nostalgic.I love the cinematography, it's very atmospheric, and camera work is documentary like, love character close up shots and the background. Music is simplistic but effective, it builds the tension for each scenes and the transition to the next. I also love how the ending credits song is upbeat such contrast to the whole theme of the film, it gives smile to my face.
Great acting from all of these young cast lead by the Fumi Nikaido which in my opinion the best young actress in Japan, she's really good with these type of characters. Yoshizawa Ryo is a revelation in this movie, I didn't know he can act like this, such intensity, reminds me of a young Kengo Kora. The rest of the cast did great job as well because it's not an easy feat to play these types of characters.
Not for everyone obviously, lots of gore and sex scenes. Also the narrative doesn't have anything to do with romanticism but existentialism. Slow but thought provoking film, it probably requires a rewatch to fully understand the message of the film.
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Just your typical fast paced, manga based romance movie.
I watched this movie because I want something light, though I got what I want still the pacing in this story bothered me. I haven't read the manga and I have no idea how is the development of each character there, so this movie got me scratching my head because some scenes doesn't make sense like suddenly one character likes another character, not enough development to make that believable. I also have hard time connecting to these 2 main characters, not enough scenes for me to truly understand their actions, the pacing is just too fast. Also, some characters are wasted like minami hamabe's character, I thought she is part of the main cast, but felt like she's just a cute stray kitten who walked passed me, no idea what happen to her after. It's still a pretty good movie though, fun story, cute moments, lovable characters.Technically, cinemagraphy is nice, Iove the camera work during those cute scenes. Music is also good, nice songs, though I felt it has too many songs, I think I heard 4 songs played throughout this movie. Acting is also good, you have both suda and tao as main lead and you can never go wrong with them, they also have great chemistry in this movie.
You might love this movie more than I do if you read the manga or if you're already familiar with the characters but it might be enough for you to love this if you are only after for a cute story, lovable characters, great kissess and good ending.
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This review may contain spoilers
The plot is one of the darkest, twisted yet fascinating as you would find psychological elements that would impact you as viewer. I say psychological because if you try to look into the mind of the characters, their action would just makes sense. I'm not trying to justify their actions because it's obvious these are your typical twisted characters in a movie. I also would like to point out there is no Forbidden love, younger man/older woman, student/teacher relationship and especially ROMANCE in this movie. Obsession & Lust is very different from love, just watch the scene on the beach where he tried to cut off his D**k, that was such a powerful scene. I see these tags are the reason why there are a lot of negative comments here. These are very misleading tags.The movie shows the dark reality, the cycle of abuse which is very scary. I believe the girl was also abused by her dad, and it's also the reason for her sexual orientation. It's her dominating personality that later on lead to her abusing the child. One of the most realistic portrayal of rape and abuse in a movie, it shows how it will affect the victim later in life. I also refuse to believe being a pedophile is hereditary, nope, genes has nothing to do with it. Everyone's psychology/mindset is a result of the environment they grew up in.
The Acting here is very strong, which is very important in a movie that has bold storyline. You could tell the actress, Sugino Kiki is a very passionate one as she's also one of the producers of this movie, and it shows in her performance. It doesn't seem nudity bother her either. Imagine producing a movie, casting yourself in a movie which you'll do a nude scene later. At first I thought the casting of Taiga is terrible because it seems he's portraying a character much younger than his age, they even put a kid's voice on him, which is understandable because there is no way they could cast real kid without going jail. But eventually thanks to Taiga's acting I forgot to notice those things. There is one important scene in this movie where he was really impressive, that was when his character was being raped by the female lead, that look on his face shows agony in a very realistic manner, that alone deserves an acting award for him. Hard to believe this is Imai in Kyou Kara Ore Wa!!. Goes to show how versatile as hell and criminally underrated he is. Most of the Music is composed of music from Mozart. It's very important to note that it conveys the psyche of the character once you hear it in the background.
People ask why we need movies such as these that it doesn't make sense at all, and some even said they want to unsee it. I understand people have different taste when it comes to movies but saying it doesn't make sense makes no sense to me. Maybe they didn't try to look for meaning because even weed type art-house films have meanings. Now if you ask why these dark twisted types of movies exist? SIMPLE because it's CINEMA. The prime purpose of cinema is not to entertain but to tell a story, humanity is always fascinated by different stories, which is why cinema is considered as the 7th form of ART.
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It is more of a drama than mystery BUT IT IS REALLY GOOD
One of the best dramas I've seen in recent years. From the first episode alone this drama series will make you engage to the story, they have done a great job of introducing the characters, showing their motives and hinting where the story will go. This is episodic in a way that each episode will focus on one character that knows Yukino, where each of them blame themselves as to what have become to Yukino's life. There are two mysteries present in this drama, first is who committed the crime and second is what kind of life she had. By no means has this drama have mindboggling plot twist and clever puzzles but what's fascinating here is to see what kind of life Yukino had, this drama will make you feel bad for her. The drama element is so strong here, and I'll be honest there are couple scenes that got me teary eyed especially seeing them still caring for each other after so many years.The drama has a bit of a dark tone which brilliantly supports the plot. The music underlines the mood in each scene, builds tension and evokes feelings of each character. Stellar acting from the cast especially Takeuchi Yoko and Tsubamuki Satoshi, both character have traits that unique to them and the way they act is remarkable. Once scene that impresses me the most is during their final scene together, I felt tension building up and having no music in that scene really helps.
To call it a masterpiece is a bit of a stretch but if you love mystery, drama and thought provoking stories then it is a must watch. Thanks to the subber of this drama, I wouldn't have watched this if it wasn't for him/her.
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This review may contain spoilers
The concept of time travel has always been fascinating and that alone might be enough reason why you want to pick this, but that's not all there's more to it, and why this drama is worth watching. Unlike other dramas using time travel as a plot, this one totally makes sense at all, they have every bit of explanation to all our questions, and that is important because a plot that makes no sense is a big turn off. The characters here act like real high school students unlike characters in other high school dramas which have tendency to act too mature for their age. As a viewer doing that hurts the experience, removing too much reality in my opinion is unnecessary and annoying. It's not hard to spot this we've been in high school once in our life and in this drama that scene on the beach was the best example on how to portray real high school characters in drama. The emotion in that awkward situation looks authentic and flashback came to me as similar thing happen during high school.
The chemistry of our trio is by all means great, one of the best chemistry I've seen in my years of watching Japanese drama. They are fun characters but what's more fun is watching their interactions together which make me think that they are real friends in real life. As for the romance, I'm no authority on this due to the fact that maybe I'm not a romantic person or I just don't give a damn, but I think you will get what you want in this drama. Five episodes for this drama is just perfect which makes the pacing not draggy at all, though I wouldn't mind if they made additional episodes for other side characters just like in episode 2. That episode was well crafted which makes me teary-eyed a bit.
Music, I love those 2 songs in this drama particularly the ending song. I've read the lyrics and it really suits the story and captures the atmosphere of this drama, they also insert the song at the most appropriate time. Those scenes as it plays were perfectly done, those transitions the effects added much to the emotions I've had.
No words can describe how glad I am to see Kuroshima Yuina back again. I always knew this girl is capable of great feats just that her performance in some drama or movies recently was average. When I said characters here acts like real high school students I was mostly referring to her. Every gestures of her character are just like you would expect if an innocent mindless high school student gets this ability. She uses time travel as if nothing and she's fun to watch every time she doing it. I even put myself on Shohei's shoes and thinking she pain in the ass for not thinking of the consequences. She has grown into a great actress far from that girl who continuously taps honoo-kun to get his attention.
I am particularly honest towards boy band members which IMO most of them suck, but I always give credit where credit is due. Kikuchi Fuma who played Fukamachi Shohei did well of portraying a guy from year 2122 who experience love for the first time. He makes the development of the character looks believable. Takeuchi Ryoma on the other hand had less screen time but that does not mean he's the weakest as he nailed those dramatic scenes convincingly and you could really feel the frustration from him. This guy has the dramatic chops to play more serious roles. Lastly Yoshimoto Miyu, you are so damn cute, I just wished that they make you appear more in this drama but anyway hope for more drama from you in the future.
So the ultimate question, Is the ending sad? Well it depends on your own perspective, all I can say is that there's a cute plot twist in the end that makes Mihane remain positive and that was brilliant.
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It's only near the end of the movie or after 10+ dishes we learn that there's a conflict between the main character and her mom and her mom leaves without saying a word. This story is 4 parts (4 seasons) and 2 movies worth so you need to see these two movies to see how their conflict get resolved but that is not what important because end game is not this movie is about. I think that the director wants to show the human factor in this movie, human needs to adapt in order to survive. I think that's the main point here so I wouldn't mind if it has no plot.
It's a nice watch even if you don't consider this a movie, it's so relaxing, and it was like yoga but using your eyes. That fantastic cinematography and soothing music and that camera work make such a scene epic like that bicycle scene which is my favorite. The huge part of the dialogue is the narration it's a nice technique to make you live the life of the main character, you will experiences what it feels to live alone in a house surrounded by fields, mountains, trees and stream and how the changes in season affects her way of living. The main appeal of this movie is the cooking as she gathers each ingredient every season, I don't know how to cook but you might get some technique if you watch this, I love the music they used in each cooking scene btw.
I am not impressed by the acting but at least it's natural and convincing. The character of Ai Hashimoto here is different from her usual roles so it's nice to see a different side of her. It's a must watch if you are her fan. It's an Ai Hashimoto movie which most of the scenes she is there and you will realize how pretty that girl is without makeup, the camera really love her face, her screen presence is her best asset. Lastly one of the reasons why I love this movie is the song. I am a huge YUI fan and her new band sing the song in this movie, her vocals really fits the mood of this film, it's fantastic.
Watch this movie if you want something original and especially if you love cooking. It's also a relaxing movie (great music, wonderful cinematography, masterful camera work which is honestly one of the best camera work I've seen in a Japanese Movie).
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Tokyo is all bark but no bite
More than a love story this whole tale is a commentary on Tokyo's state during different period of time, the Manga which is written during the bubble era, the 1991 drama before it pops, and the modern version when the economy is more stabilized. Each represents Wild Energy, Uncertainty and Resolve which would resonate in the character of Rika. The story described her as the living image of Tokyo, and in these 3 versions there is a dialogue where kanji says Rika is Tokyo itself. Having said that Tokyo Love Story is not remake but a reimagine, reimagining the same characters and story beats in modern times, similar with Final Fantasy 7, and just like how gameplay in modern Final Fantasy changes over time and so for Japanese dramas, the mundanity of the old was replaced by more fast paced approach, and elements such as female empowerment was added to fit the theme different from its predecessors. Tokyo as a city has this scary and intimidating vibe, and that never change. It's still the hub for lonely people. But "Tokyo is all bark but no bite" they say, so it's up to you whether you allow it to swallow you, tame it or run from it.Just a heads up their journey as couples won't be that pretty at all, so if you want the same cute romantic stories then just watch until episode 3 and make that airport scene as your ending. After that the story will go into the more realistic territory, misunderstandings will develop, triangles will form, they will also go back and forth as a couple, and as a viewer it may feel personal to you especially if you relate to either of these couples. You'll witness the start of a toxic relationship, and you decide the source of that toxicity. You may take sides or no side; you may hate one or both of them.
The clash between their beliefs might be a fresh concept for a romance genre, but it's still the same misunderstanding between couples. It also feels a bit preachy, but that's fine since it's a mainstream drama, and by doing that they made Rika a bit comprehensible. The philosophical element of their relationship will fascinate you, its realism will immerse you, now the question is, would that be entertaining for you, because honestly the storytelling became weaker as the story goes, the second couple felt like a supporting characters, and it even dragged in the middle episodes. But for me before knowing it I already got invested in these characters that it made me curious what would be their fate, especially for Akana Rika.
Rika in this version is the anti thesis of everything we love about the romance genre, concepts like "destiny", "the one", "love never dies", those fairy tale words didn't exist in her vocabulary, then partnered it with her personality, moody, self assertive, independent, selfish but selfless then you get a complicated yet compelling character. She's flawed and many would misunderstand her, but that only makes her less of a manic pixie dream girl trope similar to the Manga.
Then there is Kanji the voice of us normies, sane people or whatever you want to call it. He is shouting all the time like a shonen character for hopeless romantics. Kanji is the traditional guy who just wants security and dependability different from Rika who is for mystery, exploration and freedom. Kanji is also obsessed with this thing called romantic possessiveness, he wanted to own Rika, but Rika doesn't feel the same way, she doesn't want to own Kanji, she just wanted to own the wants.
It's a bold move from the writer to incorporate the concept of "Modern Love" in this story and I like it, it enriches the psychological and philosophical aspect of this entire thing. I also love how they handled it, the drama could have criticize Romanticism so much and to be honest I had a feeling they are going in that direction, but the drama choose not to, it remained gray in the end and let the audience decide what to feel especially for its principal character Rika. Personally I get her, that mindset is common nowadays at least for me since I am surrounded with these kind of people and I notice there is one thing common to them, their work is somewhat related to art, just like Rika. I would say this topic is well researched or maybe the writer feels the same way. The problem is in Japan, people there would be too traditional, so I can't even imagine them being open to this type of relationship.
Production quality is not what you would expect in a typical Japanese drama it's WOWOW level or even Japanese dramas on Netflix. Cinematography is absolutely beautiful especially long shots, those shots that wonderfully captured Tokyo's vibrant and colorful lifestyle. Fashion is a thing is Tokyo Love Story, since they wanted to convey a particular period in time, from Rika's sophisticated office attire to Kanji's normie get up, I think they nailed that part. It also seems they wanted to play parallels with the 1991 drama, they not only altered Rika, but most shots are also during the night. Music is really good and I wonder how they found those English insert songs because it feels both are written for this story. Those songs didn't just provide modern vibe, but western vibe as well. I also love main theme "Touka", it's so catchy, so modern, sounds a bit like bump of chicken, and it brilliantly served its purpose as the cliffhanger song. The cinematography is beautiful and songs are exceptional but more importantly the casting for the main couple is spot on.
Japan has this stupid policy when casting actors in their dramas and god knows how many careers got derailed or even ruined just of that, but from time to time they do it right. Casting Ishibashi Shizuka for the role of Rika is the best thing they've done since Rena Nounen in Amachan. Their vision for Rika embodies Ishibashi so much, among the young Japanese actresses she's the one that exudes the strong modern woman type and her being an acclaimed indie actress means her acting style is more in a subtle category, the art of telling without telling, which fits perfectly for Rika, a woman who can't express herself properly. Ishibashi's contemplative look is so good that you would feel the psychological and emotional vulnerability in the character even her not saying a single word, so when she explodes in episode 10 you really feel it. She didn't just break the fourth wall; she drove a f-cking truck through it.
Kentaro is also a nice pick for the role of Kanji. I thought Ishibashi's captivating screen presence would eat him alive when I see his name in the cast but no he manage to stand his ground, he didn't disappear on the background. Kentaro's more japanese animated acting compliments Ishibashi's subtlety, un japanese acting style, it creates an interesting rapport between them. His goody-good image also fits this version of kanji which they describe as rice that goes well with anybody. Their chemistry might not be as good as those older classic Japanese dramas but to compare it with recent romance dramas with grounded characters then I think this is one of the best. I would give the acting a 10 if just for those 2 but since it's a collective effort I can't.
The problem is other couple, Anna Ishii is a great actress but she can only do so much with that boring character. I wish they put spice in her character and gave it a back-story just like what they did with Mikami. Her talent is wasted in this drama. Such a shame because I only watch this drama for her. Mikami in this version is more layered than the old Mikami. I kind of see why they put that disturbing scene in the drama but I don't agree with it, I don't think it's needed. If they want a stronger reason for Satomi to do what she has to do then why they didn't bother giving more backbone to her character. Sho Kiyohara is also the weakest actor among the four, I just wish he nailed that scene with Rika but the dude just can't cry, even the actress who played Nagasaki is better, now that girl can act. Mikami still fits him though. He's as charismatic as the old Mikami, like a model every time he's on screen.
It might seem I'm neutral, leaning towards trashing the show, but no because I really like this version. It has its flaws just like its characters, but for me I still consider it well made adaptation. Also, since I view it as a commentary my opinion on it just became better, not just this version but the 1991 drama as well. However if you want to know the difference between both, this one is less cheesy, more mature, less entertaining, but more realistic. For a story that is already 30 plus years old, it's given it would be a trope fest of a show, but for me there are 3 things they nailed right. It fascinates me, it immersed me, but more importantly, it makes sense.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HBZt3H8VXo
To understand Rika's mind watch this
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Before watching this I already knew that the director is Norihiro Koizumi, the same guy who directed Taiyou no uta(movie) and the liar and his lover so I am confident that this would be a good adaptation when I first heard about it and I am not wrong. He is great creating meaningful scenes for the reason that cinematography is one of his strongest points especially long shots, people who saw taiyou no uta know what I mean. The other thing is that he is great in showing the emotions of his characters, even an angle where only back of a person is seen. He's an actor's director, the one who makes his actors looks better and probably the reason why Suzu Hirose looks so fine here.
Visuals in this movie is so damn fine as slow motion in those karuta battle works so damn well, it gives those scenes so much impact, also give kudos to editing . The music they use really adds up to the feels of the movie it makes such scenes epic and those battles engaging. The only complaint I have is the song they use in the end, I'm a huge perfume fan but that the song didn't capture the whole atmosphere of the movie.
Perhaps the best casting in a live action ever as all those character are well played, a great ensemble of talented young cast that would probably become A class actors in the future namely Suzu Hirose, Mone Kamishiraishi, Hiroya shimizu, Nomura Shuhei, Mackenyu, Mayu Matsuoka. At first I was bit worried that suzu hirose might not give justice to the role, although I still felt the same in the first movie but this second movie prove me wrong. I think it's just right to cast her as chihaya, she is fun, she's passionate and she has done a nice job of giving energy and freshness to the character. Mayu matsuoka nailed the role as the queen, she really looks like queen, spot on casting, but more than looks it's the acting that makes her standout in this movie, her facial expressions and that way she handled the character change, she's a versatile actress indeed. What I thought would be the cutest card battle ever ended up becoming the most emotional card battle I had witnessed as it serves as a venue for the character development of chihaya and the queen, this is really important because this is the theme they wanted to convey here, like in any sport solo or team and definitely in life "doing it with friends is better than alone".
I agree that most Manga and Anime should not be made into a live action but stories that are so good should be shown in different platforms and chihayafuru is among them. Also, the good thing about watching a live action is that it would be a fascinating experience if the feels from watching an anime translates well into live, I will never get tired of watching live action for this reason.
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As for the title "100 Yen Love", don't let this title fool you, yes it sounds like a title for a cute romantic comedy film but it is nothing like that and you won't get that feeling here. Go watch it to know why the title is like that and see the transformation of main lead's character which will may inspire you.
The acting, what can I say Sakura Ando is indeed the greatest young japanese actress right today. I'm into contact sports myself and I can say that ando sakura put hard effort to look like a real boxer, her movements don't look fake unlike other sports dramas I've watched. Only a few actress can do or even think of doing roles ando sakura takes. Aside from Hirofumi Arai, I have not idea who the other actors are, but they act well especially her sister in the movie, watched out for that epic food fight.
WARNING!!!
it has both rape and nudity so stay away if you're a minor or a person who can't watch movies like this.
CONCLUSION
Go watch it because it was one of Sakura Ando's best performance and it was Japanese representative on the upcoming Oscars foreign movie category.
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An emotional state where you feel affection for someone and you can't get that person out of your mind, affecting your ability to focus on other things.
When fulfilled, feels like you're on top of the world.
This is the film's definition of the word love and I really love this film that I call this a masterpiece.
Word hunters that's how I described dictionary makers, this movie show their fun way of gathering words and how they decide for the accurate meaning of the word and how the people use that word. This movie will make you realize that making dictionary is one of the hardest jobs in the world. A movie about making dictionary seems boring but to me its different and this is why I love japanese movie they offer different story to movie lovers like me. Its a must see movie especially if you love words and your into japanese language one of the most informative movies i watched. I love how they compare a dictionary to a boat floating into a sea of words. At first I thought this movie will become artsy slow film but to me it was not a slow movie..I call it well executed. So many unexpected things in this movie, judging the poster and reading the synopsis who can tell this movie has the lamest love letter and the lamest proposal ever LMAO!!
The acting is great..I thought this is the first time I saw ryuhei matsuda but It happens that he is the japanese guy from the raid movie no way you can tell its the same person. You can tell matsuda really study his character and didnt just copy any nerdy character from other movies, his way of portraying a nerdy/serious guy who dont have social skills but ironically who loves words is really terrific..he really deserves the best actor award on this. Supporting character are great too like odagiri and miyazaki...no nonsense acting by miyazaki and this was the first time i saw odagiri portray this type of character, his chemistry to the main lead is great their personality is different but they form great moments on screen.
The music is great too totally sets the mood and fits the story and I love how the director capture the sounds from the background which adds to the ambiance.
This film lefts a question that I can't probably know the answer forever.
What is the true definition of the word right?
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Isao komori is a college dropout who spends his days playing video games and watching porn. He is living a carefree life. Every day he go to this convenience store just to see Mari, she has this angel like feature that made Komori decide to make Mari his idol. He became obsessed and his sole pleasure in life is to stalk Mari. One morning Komori wake up in Mari's body. Another Komori inhabit his old body, but it is not Mari. Mari has disappeared. Komori struggles to maintain Mari's ordinary life and starts to investigate Mari's disappearance.
If you think this different take on body swap genre is what I mean when I said original, then you are wrong. The essence of the story remains though like trying to find where Mari went, and that's why this story is genius. A combination of mystery and character study, mystery is very gripping while the character study is what draws you in. If you are into psychology you would really love this drama, it conveys all the pains and struggle of every teenagers. Everybody could relate because in the first place identity crisis is classically adolescent.
Technical-wise the acting is surprisingly strong. These three young actors did their part well, but what I'm more surprised about is Ikeda's portrayal of Mari. She manages to give this character authenticity by giving the character intensity if needed but by not making the character looks exaggerated. Very complex character that I imagine most young actress would fail to portray. Both songs are catchy too, nice touch to give the drama fun vibe.
Overall a different take to a trope (body swap) that you would think it is so clever but then you would realize there is more clever twist than that and you won't see it coming at all. Twist after twist is basically in this drama, so I wouldn't be surprised if most will find it complicated and may end up confusing to them, even at the very end.
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The way death note ended gives lot of questions to us viewers just what happen to the world after? Given that death note still exist. This film tries to answer that question as 6 death notes spread around the world; it also clarifies some rules and expands it more which only makes it more interesting for possible sequels in the future. Also, the film did a nice job of portraying the post death note world as how we imagine it, death note used as a tool for terrorism and the idea of death note as the key for world order. Although even with interesting setting, fans of death note would be a bit disappointed here as it lacks the brain power of the original, nothing new as plot twist and tricks were all familiar, the execution was right but sometimes innovation is needed.
Although the movie's substance is a bit of a disappointment what it excels at is its stunning visuals it's so good, it's directed by Shinsuke Sato in the first place, the guy who directed Gantz and I am hero so you know what to expect if you watched those, the camera shots were awesome and the films atmosphere too, and also THE CGI WAS TOP NOTCHED RYUK here is miles better than the original.
Imagining death note without Light and L would be hard but at least their presence was felt from video recordings of them throughout the movie which IMO was a brilliant idea. As for the rivalry, it is now played by Ryuzaki and Shien which was subpar compared to the original but please do yourself a favor "DO NO WATCH THIS FILM WITHOUT WATCHING THE 3 PART MINI SERIES" this will make you connect with them and understand their motivation better. The acting from 3 main actors was excellent even higashide which at first I thought would be subpar compared to ikematsu and suda.
Got the same feeling from watching Crows Explode, just replicates the awesomeness of the original but offers nothing new. Felt a bit of cash grab. Felt a bit disappointed especially that actors played their characters well.
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