There are no romance, no cuteness, no funny moments to draw a breath. There are no gorgeous sceneries to admire, or beautiful faces to ogle.
This movie is a punch directed at your very stomach. And yet it's so full of heart and intensity it left an indelible trace in my memory.
It's the story of a handful of Japanese soldiers left on guard of the rocky, desolate, deserted but of outmost strategic importance island of Iwo Jima. They are basically left to rotten there and eventually being slaughtered, if not by the Americans, by the obtuseness of high rank Japanese officials.
It's based on a true story, so I have no fear to spoil the plot. Many of you may already know of Iwo Jima, if only for the über-famous picture of the American soldiers planting the stars and stripe flag on a little mountain of dirt. This movie tells the same story, but from the other side of the barricade, in the literal sense of the word.
Western films tend to depict Japanese soldiers during WWII like war machines, ready to die for their country no matter what, cold and determined. Here we see the human side of them, the ultimate meaning of the film being the universality of fear, loneliness, anguish and friendship.
Outstanding acting performances by all the cast, entirely Japanese and terrific direction by acclaimed Clint Eastwood.
This is the kind of film one re-watches sooner or later. A film-library movie. You have been warned as to its content, so I recommend it with a clear conscience.
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Unethical and Awesome
Well... dang. This extra-mini-miniseries is demented but logical and fascinating enough (for me). The ML is metaphorically on another plane, FAR AWAY from the rest of humanity. He's NOT a status or wealth-snob, but he's so powerful, rich, and unfathomably confident, that he embodies the essence of an immortal god/demon. He's a morally-grey ANTIHERO character, that is severely controlling, fierce and deadly but is also diametrically protective, loving and forgiving (toward FL and his assistant). He doesn't allow anyone to control him, even his own mean/controlling mother. His smirk/smile reminds me of a young Damon Salvatore from the Vampire Diaries but he's legitimately powerful enough to be ABOVE the law, like Klaus Michaelson, ("I AM immortal!") 😈, and he knows it. He ALWAYS has a trusting, positive, compassionate outlook of the FL's integrity and personhood - even when she betrays him out of her ignorance. The FL is understandably scared (and frustratingly) small-minded in the face of this type of larger-than-life antihero. Like the rest of us ignorant humans, she's not able to perceive the bigger picture nor find the truth. The happy ending was way too abrupt. Their chemistry was only partially explored via the ML's passionate pursuit and his (mostly forced) 💋 kisses, so the ending is the beginning of their consensual romance.Was this review helpful to you?
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A disjointed mess with a few good scenes
This was a very strange series. The scenes of the main couple were pretty good, but there weren't a lot of them and the rest of the series was boring and made very little sense.Lee Jun's past as an idol was so irrelevant to the plot that he could just have been a regular new office worker and it wouldn't have changed anything. He could have simply been friends with Hyun Jae and Simeon for different reasons and the plot would have been the same. I'm honestly not sure why Hyun Jae and Simeon are even considered part of the main cast when they really didn't do much. I guess they were there to serve as rivals for Choi Jun, but it didn't really work. Simeon was way too straightforward and Hyun Jae just never confessed. It was also obvious from the beginning that Lee Jun wasn't interested anyway.
There were just too many characters for no reason and as a result, they all feel really shallow. Even the two main characters don't get enough development. Why make Lee Jun an idol if you're not going to show and/or utilise any aspect of him being one? Also, we don't know anything about Choi Jun at all other than the fact that his father is the company's president (which is completely glossed over) and that his mother made him move to the US against his will. And he has a fiancée, just because? Why not, at this point.
Jun and Jun also never have a proper conversation about their past or how they feel. The bulk of their interactions comes in the shape of disjointed statements scattered over the course of 8 episodes. I feel like they REALLY needed to have a conversation after the scene at the end of episode 3/beginning of episode 4, but they just proceeded to ignore each other and focus on work until the end of episode 6. Then the last two episodes were pretty good but it took way too long for them to get to that point. Also, it might just be me, but I feel like their kid versions would have worked better if they were swapped. I actually went back to check if I mixed them up because Choi Jun comments about how Lee Jun was always cute, but in the flashbacks, it seemed like Choi Jun was the cute/passive one who got picked on. There was a bit of a disconnect there.
What I did like, however, were the cute/funny/steamy scenes between Jun and Jun. The humour was also a lot dirtier than I expected from a KBL, which was a pleasant surprise. The second half of episode 3 was particularly good, and everything after the kiss at the end of episode 6 was decent, but the series as a whole had way too much boring office filler and not enough interaction between the leads. A lot of the dialogue made very little sense and the editing was all over the place. If I were to rewatch, I'd skip everything except the Jun and Jun scenes.
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chemistry and cast are perfect
The story was definitely great and it is best of AprilIts starts as a sports drama and like all other drama it doesn't focus on sports ,its a sports full of love the ml was a badminton player and following some events he decided to switch to tennis where fl is now manager of an dying club,the show is all about the ml and fl supporting each other and helping other to achieve the goals and find love in between.
About the love part as know 10yrs gap is not so positively viewed in most asian countries and fl has her own concern as she thinks ml is young and it just his sudden impulse of youth on otherhand ml tries to win heart step by step and their chemistry was great throughout the show and story supported their chemistry with each step
Re-watch value is high as there are moments that make your heart flutter and some life lessons we can learn
OST Great it greatly goes well with the moments
ACTING: LEO NAILED IT SO DO ZYT and no extra drama
Go for it!!!
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1This review may contain spoilers
love also be willing to let it go
It look like everyone who watch this movie a little bit confused about the story.First, don't be confused with butterfly lovers, this movie isn't based on that folk story. Fang Hui or the director use that story for his movie but actually he want to make a trap for Lin Xi and Hesen.
It look like in the past, Fang and Lin is a couple but things not going well but Fang doesn't want to let Lin go.
Fang started to blackmail Lin and force him to be forever his actor in all his movies.
Lin meet Hesen and Hesen treat him very well and want Lin to be his lover. It make Fang angry and set a trap for Lin and Hesen by make them starring in his new movie. Fang record all Lin and Hesen activity including when they are making love. When Hesen knows about this, he really angry and try to kill Fang but Lin save him and die.
This movie is telling that if you love someone, you must ready to let it go too for your lover happiness. Trying to make it forever by your side it can be worst idea if your lover can't enjoy and not comfortable with it.
In my opinion, this movie probably shoot a long time ago but release for international via gagaolala in 2020.
The idea of this movie is good but in some point lack in execution. They can be good movie.
Honestly, I cannot rate this film as same as I rate films from other countries where the censorship is not as strict as on the mainland. I give my respect for everyone in this film because they still have the courage to make film that they want to make.
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You won't know what hit you when you get to the end!
I heard this was a romantic suspense and the trailer seemed interesting so I tried this and it hit me with so many unexpected surprises by the final episodes! I thought I knew how it was going to end but it was completely different and out of my expectations.Plot: So, so creative. You think it's the usual revenge drama since that is what the trailer and synopsis claims to be but it's not that simple. It's much more complex than just the leads getting involved into a bigger revenge plan. That's just what they want you to believe as you watch. I love how the writer uses flashbacks and Wen Ke Er's therapy session in the beginning of every episode to reveal another piece of the mystery. One by one you get to know more of the so-called truth until you realize at the end that there's a even bigger truth, the real truth about what happened that night with the security guard. The writer tied everything up really smoothly and logically with the big plot twist so that you understand how you've been duped.
The episodes were all fast paced. I am so glad it's 20 episodes and not like 40. There was no fillers. Every scene had its use. Every flashback was part of the puzzle (but don't trust everything they show you too). Also, at first, the first 3 episodes felt unrealistic with the female lead's extreme revenge schemes but later you'll find out why it makes sense as part of the bigger picture-- so don't drop it there!
Acting/Cast: I only know the male lead from Bloody Romance but he was a supporting character so I didn't pay much attention to him BUT he is good! His chemistry with the female lead was cute. And everyone was great at their roles too. They successfully embodied them. Wen Ke Er got on my nerves with her soft but kind of high pitched voice but she surprised me with her emotional scenes later on.
Music: Love the 2 songs. They are the only ones I know of and they are so fitting for this drama. The editor or whoever adds the BGM did so well in adding the OST in the most suitable scenes. I have no complaints whatsoever.
Rewatch Value: I don't usually rewatch so I just chose a random number.
Overal, good romantic suspense! It was like 80% suspense/crime/mystery and 20% romance which I felt was a decent balance. There was no cringey/fluff scenes for the romance and I felt that the writer controlled the plot development and romance progession very well. I will definitely keep an eye on the cast for future projects.
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Loved it!
This is one of the best shows I have seen this year. A very good sci-fi drama with wonderful acting by the cast. I do understand some character development has not been done in a proper manner but overall you will surely enjoy it.If we watch carefully there are small hints depicted by the director which took the story ahead beautifully. I loved the closed ending and not leaving it to the public.
This is definitely not for people who do not enjoy such genre or such concepts or want more chemistry to be shown.
Personally I loved it alot. And I do understand people have different tastes and choices. So that's alright.
Have a good watch.
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It was draggy till the end.
I started to watch this without any expectations thank god I did that, it was disappointing, draggy and I was frustrated till the end. It's as its name story of 'Unrequited love/loves' cause the story doesn't revolve around only one unrequited love. If we just ignored some episode there wasn't anything there I really enjoyed or liked. Definitely can say I wasted my time on this.I really like when FLs are smart/clever I'm no fan of dumb FL at all but wait... it was the only thing I liked about her for me the FLs character wasn't that likable I found some of her actions unreasonable. Talking about ML I know he wasn't at fault from the start but I really hated him whenever he used to be misunderstood I mean man can't you trust your instincts or there's something known as communication it exists. Jiang Bai li her character development was literally dragged to few minutes of the last episode, I mean why did make her character so pathetic I know it's a harsh word but it was indeed pathetic and Ge Bi I really don't want to talk about this character. The one and the only character I liked in the whole show Ming Rui he was a show-stealer for me I really liked him.
It was a frustrating ride for me and I'm devastated now. It's really not something that can be turned out as a pleasure. It was slow-paced and I really didn't like how they just wrapped up the ending.
Not gonna recommend this for sure!
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I watched it 2 years ago and at the time I was 18/19.
Once me alone and then with my parents.
It is the longest drama I've watched but still 2 short.
It has the most amazing revenge plot ever in any drama! It was just 2 perfect. And my parents was really crazy about it 2.
The leading lady is beautiful, her cheating husband is HOT (lol), the guy who falls for her is sooo cute, the evil and backstabbing people around her are SOOOO killable (if u can say that).
This drama plays with all of your emotions and makes you literary wanna go inside and twist some of the characters necks. Uhmmm I would have enjoyed that. But don't worry the leading lady does that pretty well on her own. No need to help once she has started.
Damn it was satisfying. I loved the way she changed 180*. She is really beautiful. I liked it that the leading couple were young. ^^
It has 149 ep. but goddd I wish it never ended. When I watched it I was stuck 2 the comp. hour after hour. I suggest u watch it all. It is REALLY recommendable.
Plus it has a great ending. U will love it. I guaranty it.
Or else you can get your hours back. xD
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Suicide Club is being described as a horror movie and while it does contain elements which justify the classification, it shocks with an irrational absurdness rather than by depicting nightmarish events.(Gore is present but not the central attraction.)
If I were asked to describe Suicide Club in three words it would be the following: creepy, chaotic and surreal.
The actors’ performances are convincing, but as locations are changed rapidly and attention is paid to multiple characters while none is detailedly introduced, a sole character’s portrayal is of no importance.
The music is generally appropriate, but surprisingly, positively contradictious at times.
Suicide Club also contains two full-length songs, one of them as bizarre as possible.
Why should you be watching this?
Although Suicide Club was promoted as a movie on its own, it leads to more questions than answers.
It’s part of a jigsaw and can be seen as the threshold to a ridiculously witty story which unravels in “Noriko’s Dinner Table”.
I highly recommend watching both movies, while Suicide Circle serves its purpose as a foundation, it does not fail to entertain.
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This review may contain spoilers
If you're looking for a movie where you can laugh till you cry... this definitely is the movie to watch... its funny even from the start to the very end.. Love how they make the plot story and how the characters are build throughout the movie... also love how each characters were described towards the end... Love how Gong Myung is the crazy newbie.. he portrayed the character really well...
Also loving all the other 4 characters.. where each of them have a special trait on their own...
never judge a book from its cover... this suit how to describe each character in this movie..
Liking how the put one classic Cantonese song after the fight scene... really classic there...
Overall.. really enjoyed this movie.. it deserve an award.... good job writers and producers...
Really recommend this movie to watch.. or even a re-watch...
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Tomorrow With You is one of the most beautiful dramas I've ever watched.
The plot was really amazing and unexpected! It was something new and unique. I don't know how to explain it clearly, but this drama was really something. It was not only about romance and time travel but there were so much more. This drama taught me about how to treasure life. It made me realize that every choice we make, even a small one, it can give huge effect to our future. Also, the romance was so strong and beautiful. I'm completely in love with it! I know this drama didn't have much action but more into conversation and the plot was slow, that's why some people found it boring, but I totally enjoyed it. Every conversation means so much to me.
I really love every characters in this drama and the casts did a great job. My fav is Song Ma Rin (Shin Min Ah), now I'm a fan of her!
and for the music, I didn't really give much attention to it, but since I love this drama, I'd still give it high rating.
Rewatch value: I'll propably watch this again when I'm in calm mood and not busy.
Overall this drama is amazing and it deserves more recognition. So please give it a try! :)
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I liked that not only the development of the relationship between the protagonists was focused upon, they also gave time to view the latest development in Next Innovation and the Personal File project though of course with the big stress on the romantic line.
This special felt more real to me, meaning to say it expressed points in human relationships (especially between couples) that many can relate to. that those two's characters are so different you don't find any trouble imagining them having clashes if they are to live together.
It felt nice to make sure that love is not all about being lovey-dovey and happy all the time, there are times when difference in character and ways of thinking causes trouble in relationships. In a sense this special episode gave more meaning and depth to the drama's ending, I'm so glad they produced it.
I just have one tiny gripe against this episode.
I'll explain this just to be sure everyone knows this piece of information (which btw I didn't know before watching the special), This special covers events which took place during the 1 year & 9 months period which gets fast forwarded in the final scenes of the drama's finale, to be more precise after the scene where he sends her off at the airport.
So supposedly the finale's final scene where she comes back to japan and pays a visit to the company out of the blue takes place after the special's story. While the picture of the newly weds' on the wall that they showed in the finale nicely connects the dots, they still made one big mistake (at least imo), the Brazilian flag she has on her cheeks!! she's supposed to have been in Boston you know!!
Still, that mistake can be over looked since we know they didn't intend to make the special at that stage yet. But you know, why the need to make it in the US in the first place, why didn't they stick with Brazil and just made a Brazilian company buy the one where she was working at, but then that would need to make him go to Brazil for work instead which wouldn't make sense right?
Anyways, with all that being said, I really recommend this drama and special of course to any J-Drama fan out there.
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I have to say that, overall, I enjoyed the movie more than the show.
The movie was able to successfully continue where it left off, when it comes to the main couple, instead of falling back on the same narrative the show used. The debacles of the series, the doubts about identity and the nature of the relationship, are gone from this, and Haruta and Maki have issues and concerns that, even if still rooted in their characterizations and instances of miscommunication, respond to a plot advancing and not falling behind on safe paths already done by the series.
The two characters that arrive, Shison Jun’s and Sawamura Ikki’s, are a lot more amenable than I thought when watching the trailer, and their natures develop throughout in unexpected ways. Both are good actors, so that lifted up the standard.
My biggest issue with the show (maybe it’s just me) was the boss’ character. I felt that using comedy derived of lack of consent situations and a caricature of homosexuality didn’t work in this show, although I understand that it might have been a safer bet to include a caricature instead of outright dealing with lgbtq+ subjects in the open, without the “satire” persona to distract some audiences. This is also why I skipped the Sky series, because the part they kept was this dynamic.
In this movie, it’s less bothersome. It’s not gone, but it’s not as bad. At first, it was going really well, and I realized that, as long as they allowed the boss to have his own narrative, it may be alright. But they couldn’t let go completely from this shtick, and to do so they had to retort to very nonsensical camp, which didn’t ruin the movie but, considering there was SO MUCH MORE going on, I have to ask if it was really necessary.
There are tropes, yes, but I feel that this movie took the fact that it is an mlm piece of media more seriously than the series, which allowed Haruta and Maki to have conversations in which they realistically put out there the limitations that Japanese society would set if they want to “marry”. So far, I've seen this only in jdramas like What Did You Eat Yesterday?, while much of what is considered “BL content” just leaves it at a ring and vague promises, which is what the series was going for. The fact that they talked about it, that their future together was realistically explored to an extent, made me feel that they took themselves more seriously and that the show is standing firmer on the subjects it portrays. Without losing nonsense and comedy and all that stuff people like about the series.
The female characters are a bit lost in this one. One thing I liked about the show is that they had very good female characters, which is something regular "BL" storylines lack of. In the movie, some of them show up but not as primarily as in the series. It can be understood, though, because of the lack of time (I’ll leave out the discourse on Kaneko Daichi barely scraping legal age between the series and the movie and the relationship they put him in). I really liked the character of the chairman’s daughter and wish she would have been treated better, but we can’t have everything.
I don’t think the histrionic moments and overall energy of both the series and the movie are for everyone, but the movie gave the series the step forward it needed, introducing more substance to the main relationship, which I genuinely wish had been even more focused. Because even as a step forward from series one and advancing in its narrative, there's still hesitance towards abandoning certain “safe” tropes, and the movie didn’t need some of them. When you have the personal relationship issues submerged in a) new characters that are important for the plot, b) the boss’ antics being partially back, c) the campy plotline that has genuine emotional moments but also explosions and guns, d) most characters from the series showing up at some point or another; you wonder if maybe the audience would have responded to it just as well with a little less of all of that and a little more of the core relationship that has become so interesting and refreshing.
Because it’s refreshing to see, even with all the camp and nonsense, a relationship between two people in their late 20s/early 30s figuring out life as they go and their identities as well. That’s the heart of this series, I feel like. And it works because both Haruta and Maki as characters work together. Even if Tanaka Kei is sometimes at a 10 for too long.
All in all, I enjoyed it, more than the series, and I’ll probably watch it again. If you liked series 1, I think this is a must watch for you. If you want more down-to-earth-dramatic type of dramas and you are not familiar with or fond of jdrama humor, it might be a complicated one to navigate, but it still has genuine moments I think you’d enjoy.
If they want a series 3, or another instance of this, they better continue where this left off and ditch the AU ideas, because this is where it’s at.
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Not sure how to rate this one
I feel like I exhausted all of my thoughts in the comment section, so I'll just say this: if you start watching this show knowing that it is loosely based on the original novel and it is different from whatever you thought it would be from trailers, synopses, and promos; and you watch the first episode and find it pleasant, then go for it. Even if the story falls apart in the last third of the show and frustrates you, it is still watchable. The romance is there in the background, but it is not well-written or enjoyable. The weakest parts of this show are the storytelling, the male lead, and the writers' priorities in terms of the plot and characters. The biggest strengths are the cinematography, overall acting, and the music. I wanted to rate it lower, but considering how many bad shows get high ratings, this one is not high at all. P.S. The lack of the cliff trope, underwater kiss, etc., gives it extra points. 🤣Was this review helpful to you?
