Reviews

桜のような僕の恋人

桜のような僕の恋人 I decided to watch this movie because of 中島健人 he is one of my favourite actors. I thought it would be a typical love story but it was a whole more than that.
The movie is about Haruto a normal person who has worked in many fields, one day he goes to this hairsalon and instantly falls in love with the hairdresser Misaki. The first day of his haircut she cuts his ear by mistake and then goes to apologise to him, he instantly asks her out on a date. Haruto who almost gave up his dream to become a photographer, begins to pursue his dream again and starts working at a photo studio, making mistakes but still not giving up.
Misaki on the other hand is diagnosed with a rear desease that ages her 10x faster than normal, she doesnt want to tell Haruto about it and breaks up with him.She is still in love with him and contantly wants to hear his voice and meet him.

This movie made me cry soooo much,Misaki is such a good actress and her role was played so well.Their love was definately a Love like the Falling Petals because everything about them connected to cherry blossoms❤️❤️❤️

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The best Chinese movie I have ever seen and I'm not kidding.

Try as I might, I usually find that, while Chinese movies may look nice, they usually have terrible plotting, writing, and acting. This little movie NAILS IT. It's a simple story about a 17-year old girl and boy trying to graduate from high school and becoming buddies in the process. It's slice of life. It doesn't try to be anything else, but it does what it does PERFECTLY. The acting of the female and male leads and the supporting cast is natural and nuanced. The plot subverts its own predictability to keep itself fresh the whole way through. There is beautiful camera work and a touching soundtrack (a little sweet perhaps but that's true to Chinese style I think). An excellent movie.

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ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES I EVER WATCHED - THE HIGH RATING HERE ON MDL TOTALLY WELL DESERVED!!!

Wow, just wow. This movie is pure amazing. You HAVE to watch it, can't recommend it enough! Based on a true story, the movie tells about bullying in high school, where people are struggling for university exams. High school girl Chen Nian finds her bullied classmate lying dead on the ground on campus after suicide, and then she is subjected to severe bullying as well. She meets a tough guy from the streets, who she later asks if he can protect her, which he agrees to ... and a strong bond between the two grows, but then something dramatic happens.

This movie gave me a roller coaster full of emotions, on the deepest level! It made me so angry, sad and disturbed how people can be so cruel and heartless, many finding others in pain just amusing, something to laugh at! And it makes me speechless how people can just take photos of a dead body instead of calling the ambulance! Chen Nian was the only decent one, who covered her dead classmate's body with her jacket. But in midst of all misery, there is a glimpse of light and hope... this movie has lots of ugliness, but also lots of beauty. The most beautiful thing about Better Days, is the deep bond between Chen Nian and Xiao Bei / Bei Shan. Their bond is thicker than blood, they have a deep connection, like soulmates, it goes even deeper than that of lovers (its obvious they are in love with each other), rarely you find a special bond like this! At first, Chen Nian looked down on Xiao Bei for being poor, uneducated, having no goals in life, and just getting into fights. But when Chen Nian cannot anymore handle the severe bullying, she goes to him and ask him to protect her (which he offered her to do earlier but she declined), he agrees. And boy, he takes his "job" as protector very seriously and follows her around, walking always behind her. He is willing to go extreme lengths to keep her safe.

There is one particular scene that touched me so much, it gave me goosebumps! I don't want to spoil too much, but it was after Xiao Bei found Chen Nian all beaten up... so yeah, the scene involves Xiao Bei and Chen Nian, it was that moment that made their bond soooo deep, the deepest kind of bond! When seeing that beautiful, meaningful scene, I knew this movie would become one of my absolute favorite movies of all time and my absolute number 1 favorite asian movie!

I love that this movie is anti-bullying, it never blames the victim, all the blame goes to the bullies. I mean, this movie shows how some people puts some blame on the victim too, but the movie still manages to make it clear that how wrong it is for those kind of people to put blame on the victim. Chen Nian goes through hell, but some doesn't take it seriously and just says stuff like "they are just teenagers, they don't know any better, so let it just be". Luckily tho, not all are like that, for exemple the policeman Zheng Yi who really wants to help Chen Nian. He is speechless how people can defend the bullies, even more speechless how the bullies has not even a hint of remorse!

One evening, something very dramatic happens. And Xiao Bei's pure and deep love for Chen Nian makes him go great great lenghts for her. Better Days deals first of all about bullying, second is the relationship between Chen Nian and Xiao Bei, but I found both equally as important. The acting of Zhou Dong Yu (who potrayed as Chen Nian) and Jackson Yee (who potrayed as Xiao Bei) is amazing, the acting couldn't be more amazing. Actually, all actors did a wonderful job! And the cinematography is A++! Honestly, this movie is pure perfection that touched deeply my soul. There is absolute nothing I would wanna change. This movie made it even more impacrful because its based on a true story, wow. And can you believe this masterpiece almost was never released, because of chinese censorship?? I'm so thankful it was released, it would be like a huge crime to not release a amazing movie like this with such important message. Obs, if you decide to watch this, remember to NOT turn off the movie when the closing credits comes, there is a bit more to come. I will definitely be rewatching Better Days soon again, I can't get this art of movie out of my head.. it's just THAT great!! Everyone should watch this!

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Light Hearted, Comedy drama with a simple storyline

It's a simple hate turns into love story, pretty much predictable but has a lot of comedy and shows how popularity is not always good. I watched it for Chanyeol but liked the movie overall. Chanyeol's acting was great, he portrayed all the required emotions nicely. Many people are commenting about the actress' acting but it was also good. She was annoying in the beginning but had a good character growth later on. Also her chemistry with Chanyeol was nice. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to watch a light hearted movie with humour and without any complexity.

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When I found out that the Japanese Signal was going to have a movie alongside a special, I was really happy. Since it probably gonna be long wait before we would ever get any news of a sequel on the original. And then I got curious on what kind of plot we'll get, since aside from the one used in the SP, I think there wasn't any other cases from the original that haven't been covered in the series. And it turned out that it'll be an original case.

Since the SP already implied that the corrupt politician who had been the bane for our pair of detective and profiler finally had their crimes revealed, it makes you wonder what else for our heroes to do. But it turned out that we still have the the underlings of the corrupt politicians and a whole new kind of villain. So I guess that's enough to set the stage for Oyama and Saegusa to work together again, as the SP left us with yet another cliffhanger.

So this time it was murders via poisonous gas and terrorism. A whole new story unconnected to the original kdrama plot. I guess they decided to base the movie plot to something that's familiar to the Japanese audience, cos the moment I see the mention of a poison gas and terrorism, I immediately thought about a Sarin gas attack that I once read in the news. And Jdramas really do love to reuse the plotwist about Public Safety being full of dark secrets.

Overall, it's a fine movie. It kinda took me a while to get used to seeing a much more excitable Oyama in the special and movie compared to the drama, but I guess with Oyama already getting fond of the adult Saegusa and his younger self I can't really blame Oyama to be super happy about being able to work together again with him.

There are some parts that I likes and some I didn't like, but the movie was quite decent. It's cool that BTS still contribute a song for the movie's ending cos I thought they just gonna reuse Don't Leave Me or something. We still got yet another cliffhanger--our faves can't seem to be able to meet properly--but that set a possibility of another sequel. Wishful thoughts, haha. Like I think I used to hear that there's a possibility for the kdrama to get a sequel after so long, so I guess they wanted to keep the open end to allow for such possibilities.

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This 1933 silent film portrayed a strong FL who had to work as a hostess to provide for her son after her husband abandoned them during depression era Japan.

Director Naruse Mikio focused this film, at times in a melodramatic way, on some of the struggles people endured during this economically depressed era. Omitsu was relentless and dedicated to her child and the friends who helped her. She had a backbone of steel hidden under her kimono. Even when her husband showed back up in her life after three years, penniless and nearly shoeless, she initially refused him. In the end she took him in, unlike some older movies where the husband is a total mooch and abusive, Mizuhara was a good father and at least attempted to find work. Turned away at every potential job because of his physical frailty, his mental and emotional frailty began to decline as well.

The version I watched had no music which was a little jarring at first, but I found the rhythm quickly. The film had also faded in places, not enough to detract from the story though. Naruse used symbolic foreshadowing with a child’s toy and images of the water to good effect. For a 1933 silent film, the cinematography, shots, and sets were all quite good.

Kurishima’s accomplished performance as a woman who refused to give up on life and her child’s future was beauty to behold. Saito Tatsuo, as the ne’er do well husband, gave his character enough likeability as he played with the children to help the viewer understand what might have drawn Kurishima to him. The supporting characters rounded out the performances well without resorting to overacting. I’m always amazed at how well a story can be told with minimal dialogue, and this was one of those cases.

Every Night Dreams briefly dipped into melodrama though given the times, perhaps not that much. Life was often balanced on the edge of a knife during those dark days for many people. Some had the strength to survive, and some did not. Omitsu blazed a trail for future female characters who were not afraid of the future but who faced it head on.

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Pretty solid

I randomly stumbled upon this movie. I think you would like it, if you like thriller/action movies. My favorite scenes were always the ones between the two leads, Leo and Yuri. There is some great cinematography. There's lots of blood, and quite a few comedic moments, but it's not full on campy. As someone who really enjoys campy and bizarre movies (especially Japanese, as they happen to do it best lol), I felt somewhat fulfilled on that part. That being said, it's not a lot, so even if you don't like things like that, I think you can still get some value out of this movie.

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Takeru Satoh’s Brilliance

The man surely knows how to get into character. Rurouni Kenshin is such a warm, ambitious and wholesome character which has kept me on board with the movies; Takeru seeps his paws into Battosai’s character and doesn’t let go. It’s mind blowing to watch.

As much as I love him, I was not a very big fan of this plot line. For example, the movie prior to this ends on some sort of a cliffhanger where Kenshin forgets his mission and stalks his way into the ship to get to his woman. It’s heartfelt, powerful and captivating. His feelings for her overwhelm his thought process and he hurries to her rescue. This movie starts off with Kenshin washing away at an island and he thinks Kaoru is dead. It’s shocking and depressing as he falls to his knees in disbelief.

I loved it. However, when it is revealed that Kaoru is alive, his reaction is… underwhelming. It’s out of the blue and he simply smiles and that’s the end of it. There’s no relief washing over him or uncontrollable happiness which seemed very odd since the loss really seemed to impact him in the beginning. He wants to learn the heaven’s technique for her after all!

Though, I liked how the villain ended up burning to death on his own. It was satisfying. His side kick, agile swordsman’s insane breakdown was also incredibly captivating and satisfying to watch.

Overall, I loved it but it could have been better with more plot.

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Don’t lose to yourself before the fight begins

Master of the Nine Dragon Fist: Wong Ching Ho is like an old school martial arts film only with good sets, costumes, and music. Also, without the fire and energy of the oldies.

This movie focuses on Wong Ching Ho who has a martial arts school and forms a fragile alliance with the other schools to drive the British East India and their opium out of town. The Big Bad Brit, Mr. James, with a strange almost French accent, the dubbing is quite bad for the English speakers, sparks a plan to use a newly arrived country bumpkin to take down Wong Ching Ho. He has the local magistrate and spies in the different schools in his well-moneyed pocket.

Mun Sing, the country bumpkin, challenges Wong Ching Ho to a duel. If he wins, Mr. James will give him his own school. Wong’s pregnant wife is attacked during the duel and Wong abandons the duel to see to her. This action fractures the alliance of schools. He does the requisite training sequence which was actually pretty dull and takes on Mun again. This time there is subterfuge and a set-up which leads him to becoming a fugitive. Eventually, there is another training sequence where he develops the Nine Dragon Fist so that he can clear his name and take down the Big Bad Brit. A wise old master helps him clear the poison from his heart so that he can fight effectively.

The plot was fine for a martial arts film, thin, but adequate. Some of the acting was better than others, some was pretty awful. The fights were aesthetic, though lacking in creativity and energy. The problem I have with these HBO Asia films is that they are bland. Vanilla ice cream without the vanilla bland. They are lacking in urgency and energy. The most compelling character was that of Mun Sing, the duped fighter from out of town. If the martial alliance had allowed him to find work or join one of the schools much of the tragedies could have been avoided. He was just trying to feed his family. Wong Ching Ho came across as wooden and unenthusiastic, not the most relatable hero.

The Nine Dragon Fist is one of those short martial arts movies if you run across and have nothing better to do would be worth trying. Not one I’d recommend seeking out or paying to watch.

In case you were wondering what constitutes The Nine Dragon Fist---
1) Dragon Fist OG
2) Swimming Dragon
3) Whirling Dragon
4) Sinking Dragon
5) Whipping Dragon
6) Splitting Dragon
7) Coiling Dragon
8) Intertwining Dragon
9) Flying Dragon

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Dead people can’t use money

Three years after the events of The Sentimental Swordsman, Ti Lung is back in the title role to take on the Money Clan who is determined to rule the martial world. One of Shaw Brothers’ big money makers, Return of the Sentimental Swordsman had a star-studded cast with many famous Hong Kong actors in roles large and small.

Like many movies regarding the martial world, the large cast was needed so that duels could take place to see who was really the best. Aside from Ti Lung, Lo Lieh appeared as the leader of a beggar kung fu clan who worked for whoever paid best. Yueh Hua, Yuen Wah, Yuen Bun, Kara Hui, Tony Liu, and Ching Li all made appearances. The main characters aside from Ti, were Derek Yee as his friend who had been beguiled by a femme fatale since last they met, Ku Feng was the ruthless leader of the Money Clan, and Alexander Fu Sheng starred as Ku Feng’s adopted son.

Ti Lung’s character, Li Xun Huan had become a traveling alcoholic after the trials of the first movie. But like Michael Corleone in The Godfather II, every time he tried to get out of the martial world they kept pulling him back in. He needed to save his friend, A Fei, and stop the Money Clan’s nefarious plans. However, being ranked #3, he kept being challenged by those ranked below him to see if Little Li’s Legendary Daggers were as fast as rumored to be. Alexander Shu Fei as the Left Hand Sacred Knife pulled off a Princess Bride (1987 film-check it out if you haven’t!) moment that had me laughing.

The fights were adequate, some quite well choreographed, but many were more theatrical than fast and accurate. There were a variety of weapons and techniques used which was entertaining. Nearly everything was filmed on the movie lot, but the sets and scenery were better than some other Shaw productions.

Ti Lung made a sentimental and sympathetic character, though Alexander Shu Fei’s conflicted character was nearly as compelling. Derek Yee’s side-kick came across more pathetic then sympathetic. Lo Lieh’s short appearance was powerful as the playful and lethal beggar clan leader. Ku Feng nearly always turns in a powerful supporting performance, this time as the Big Bad.

If you enjoy old martial arts films and haven’t watched Return of the Sentimental Swordsman, this is one to check out, if only for spotting all the famous actors and bit players popping up on screen. Far from perfect and rated on my old, niche grading curve, this Sentimental Swordsman was an entertaining 90ish minutes fight for supremacy and honor.

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Definitely worth watching

This movie was exactly what I prefer to watch. I strongly agree with the other review. If you like realistic love stories, you should watch this one.
This movie starts with two brokenhearted people after their breakups. They meet by chance and start talking . They listen to each other and try to understand the other sex's way of thinking as friends. After spending time together they naturally hang out and try to help each other to find a new partner. They get to know each other and by spending some more time together they start to develop feelings. They try to understand what they are feeling, they make mistakes and try to get what they want and deserve. A very realistic portayal of modern relationships.
I liked the story and especially the acting. I felt what the characters' were feeling and thinking, when they were nervous, when they were hurt and happy. Their expressions matched perfectly each situation. I LOVED female and male lead's coworkers! They were amazing! The friends we all deserve and wish to have. Lastly, I loved the ending.
This movie reminded me that we all deserve the best and we must fight for it, we have the right to make mistakes and we shouldn't be afraid to be hurt. That we should always express our feelings and that all people are not the same, even the same person can drastically change if the circumstances force him.

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Very nice movie. Masterpiece

I dont understand why the rating is so low.. Like I swear I had low expectations because of the low rating. But nah, this one is definitely a gem. Worth watching. Only less than 2 hours.

Ok so I watched this on YouTube without sub so I was confused with who is Zhao and Han.
The story is basically focused on the brotherhood of the imperial guards and where their loyalty lies. It's a sad story actually. They all treasure their brotherhood but because they're in politics, they tend to betray the brotherhood.

Plot
The story started with a death case of an official and his whole family. Let's assume he is an important official that's why the imperial guards are sent to investigate. Throughout the story, one will realize that the case is not that simple because it involves the higher up like Han and Zhao and the emperor. It is also through this that the brotherhood of the imperial guards are tested.

I suggest you watch it because it's really nice. Nothing about candy love story. Bruh grew tired of it hehee.

Cast are new to me. Except the one who portrayed gu bu fan. So far they did well. Thanks to the plot.

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A moment of nostalgia captured in exquisite stop-motion ...

Based on the short story by Nankichi Niimi, this short stop-motion film by Takeshi Yashiro was two years in the making. A touching story about a mischievous little fox, it teaches us about how there are hidden kindnesses that we may ignore as we are burdened with instinctive prejudice that colours our outlook.

The hunting scene at the beginning was splendid. It illustrated the tension between Hyoju’s father’s beliefs and Hyoju’s own aspirations really well. Both Hyoju and Gon are orphans but their guilt leads them to stand on opposite sides of a divide. To me the lesson from this film was the need for dialogue and empathy.

The amount of work involved in crafting Houju, Gon and the villagers is visible in the movie and the natural materials used to create them lent an earthy & aesthetic appeal to the entire film. While the red liquorice flowers were symbolic of the feelings of our protagonists, the way their bright red colour pierced an otherwise brown landscape was truly beautiful.

The unique texture of stop-motion animation evoked nostalgia and left a lasting impression. Truly a worthwhile short!

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