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It's a nice film
This is a nice film...Yes very impressed with CFY & ZY....
Impressed by the lead actors & the film....
considering it's budget....
I felt and only my opinion maybe the supports not as strong, the themes a bit extreme at times, the story friendliness at times might of lacked.... Struggled early however finished very strong and mid way through film was good....
I recommend a viewing, only a few hours....
Overall what I felt lacked still doesn't matter, the leads both fantastic....
CYF definately once air clears will be back 100%.... ZY amazing actresses with Back to Brink also good reviews....
I cannot wait see both again together in a drama in the future....
Only problem I have with ratings is the antis possibly early on gave negative reviews without proper reason & the fans of CFY in response may of overrated the scores however look, I have no problems if people give 10/10 because I understand as well why they might of felt it worthy of full marks so not disputing it. I can understand if they were touched by it. With the antis, would like to understand why score it 1 or 2? I have dropped dramas and films giving them low marks but I had a reason for low score. This drama I felt was ok at the start and good at the end so easily worthy of higher score .... MDL needs better moderating of scores, not just this film but all dramas here. People only tend to vote either high or low.
Anyways please no hate, just my opinion. I was polite. Hope everyone enjoyed the film. I did too just wasn't wanting an encore for this film but yes encore for the actors for later dramas....
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The Build-Up Was Better Than the Payoff
*Marui Video* follows an investigation team that decides to reopen a murder case from 1992. At the center of the mystery is a video recording of the crime, allegedly hidden away because of its extreme brutality. Throughout the movie, viewers are shown snippets of the footage, and a reflection captured in the recording eventually leads the team to another unsolved case.The story revolves around two connected incidents. In the Marui case, a man murders his girlfriend but later claims he has no memory of committing the crime. The infamous recording of the murder is rumored to be cursed, much like the videotape in *The Ring*, with tragedy befalling anyone who watches it. The second case, known as the Ami case, involves a young boy accused of murdering both his mother and younger sister.
Before watching, I came across several reviews and comments describing the movie as terrifying and deeply unsettling. Unfortunately, that wasn't my experience. I was bored more often than I was scared.
Modern horror films frequently rely on jump scares, and while *Marui Video* avoids that approach, it doesn't necessarily replace it with enough tension or atmosphere to keep the suspense alive. There were several moments when the camera lingered on a particular scene, making me expect something frightening to appear, only for the movie to cut away to another shot. Instead of building dread, those moments often felt anticlimactic.
That said, I do have to give credit to the director for fully committing to the documentary style. The presentation feels authentic enough that some viewers might mistake it for a dramatized retelling of real events. In that regard, it reminded me of *Cannibal Holocaust*, which famously blurred the line between fiction and reality. At the same time, I couldn't help noticing influences from several other horror films, including *The Ring*, *The Grudge*, and various found-footage productions.
My biggest disappointment came from the movie's much-hyped finale. I had read that the last twenty minutes would finally reveal the infamous recording—a supposedly brutal and graphic piece of evidence that the entire story had been building toward. However, by that point, we had already seen numerous snippets throughout the film. As a result, the final reveal lacked impact because there wasn't much left to surprise the audience.
Overall, *Marui Video* has an intriguing premise and a convincing documentary presentation, but it never delivered the fear or shock that many viewers promised. For me, the build-up was far more interesting than the payoff.
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Well-produced, Romance-Fantasy Film Delight led by Meguro Ren and Imada Mio!
I had the opportunity to watch this recently at a Japanese film festival, and there's one thing I need to say about this film - do not miss it! Meguro Ren and Imada Mio have a delightful chemistry in this beautifully-shot retelling of the story.CINEMATOGRAPHY/PRODUCTION:
Having read the manga and anticipating the anime, I had low expectations for the live action film adaptation, despite my high anticipation for Meguro. Usually, manga-based films attempt to cram as many plot points and scenes in, or cut out a lot from the original subject material - it's less about the way the story is told, and more about hitting the plot points in the end with one-dimensional storytelling. However, I was delightfully surprised at how this was adapted for film!
The cringiness or "over the top" acting that usually accompanies some of these manga-to-movie productions was nowhere to be seen, and the cinematography was quite unconventional. It was quite beautifully shot and edited - from the scenery and interior design to the outfitting details (i.e. Kiyoka's uniform and the kimono, etc.). Narrations were brought to life by Tsuda Kenjiro himself.
ACTING:
Meme and Imada Mio's acting were both delights to see. I haven't watched Imada Mio in a role since Hana Nochi Hare, and she completely shed her "spoiled girl" character to meld herself into the character of Miyo. I didn't even recognize her! The way she was styled for the film suited the original character completely. Both leads' acting was very detailed, helping to further immerse the viewer in. From shyly glancing back and forth at each other for a beat too long to sharing secret smiles, the chemistry left you wanting more.
As a fan, I was surprised by Meme's seriousness in this role. Despite the coolheaded demeanor of Kiyoka, I enjoyed how he interpreted the role, adding in some sheepish sides to the character. His charisma really made the character stand out. Imada Mio's acting made me completely relate to and feel for her character, and it was heartwarming to see her slowly try to stand her ground and want Kiyoka by her side. Sometimes it did feel like she was very "damsel-in-distress," but I think it was more due to her lack of self-confidence.
Some fighting scenes did look a lot like the same moves were being used and it was a little awkward at times, but I understand that the fighting choreo was not the main point of the movie. The acting for minor characters were pretty standard - Ryusei was quite good in his role as well! The other characters weren't focused on as much as the leads, so they were pretty one-dimensional (i.e. bad guy is bad for the sake of being bad).
*spoiler warning*
The fire scene had me fangirling. (iykyk!)
STORY/PACING:
Overall pacing was really well done considering how much they had to cram into a film. Compared to how other manga-to-film movies have been adapted in the past, this was a standout. I do agree with another review made here that it would've been great to see even more romantic scenes between the two actors, but I understand that the director and screenwriter probably wanted to have a balance of the worldbuilding and storytelling (which was a little complicated to understand at first). So, while my fangirl heart wants a little more, I'm still pretty satisfied!
There were a few jarring cuts from scene to scene that kinda confused the viewer's flow at times but overall, it was fine to deal with.
OVERALL:
When this officially releases for DVD, you'll definitely catch me rewatching again!
PLEASE note that there is a post-credits scene as well - many people left without noticing! Hopefully this teases a sequel movie with the same actors... *crosses fingers*
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I’m not sure but here’s my take
I don’t think the boy was in love and I don’t think either man was gay. The boy didn’t want to be in the play to begin with. Then the man embarrassed him in front of everyone and wanted him replaced. The boy learned about the man’s method acting and decided to show the man how he could do the same thing and how well he could act. All the things he did seemed to tie in with his character. The hanging went a little far but he knew he wouldn’t die and really scared the man. The man got played. Unfortunately, the man, although he loved his wife, did fall for the boy somewhere along the way. Mid-life crisis I guess. Very clever story.Was this review helpful to you?
Original idea for story, but superficially made
Idea of love story includes father-in-law and his daughter-in-law sounds intriguing. Action takes place in Tang dynasty and it's based on true events in history. However story is loosely made on facts and it is mostly fiction.Creation of Yang Gui Fei is little riduculous for me. She is young and stupid girl, who doesn't know how to behave. Her actions look randomly and often don't make any sense. It looks like she has only one purpose - looks beutiful on screen.
Other characters don't have any depth. We can't understand their decisions, because we don't know what their thinking. Their psychological portrait shouls be elaborate, which would make their motives more clear.
Concept of Byzantine envoy narration is fascinating, but I'm not sure if it suits this story.
Ending is messy and little strange. I understand that authors wanted show us characters great love, but I don't think it was good way to do it.
The best aspects of this film are for sure visuals. They look brilliant and far-fetched. Every footage is piece of art. They are breathtaking and make this film worth watching. Costumes and hairstyle are also mesmerizing.
Music is also very good. I think it suits scene well. It makes them more intense.
Overall "Lady of the Dynasty" is so so movie. Idea is fascinating, but unconvincingly made. Script doesn't give justice to story. On a good note visuals are compellig and look expensive. Moreover Fan Bing Bing is definitively beautiful and pleasing to the eyes.
Authors could offer audience much more. Historically Yang Gui Fei is shown as vicious and powerful woman not as lost girl. I would love to see interpretation like this in future.
However I have to give props to scriptwriter for knowledge that lychee was Yang Gui Fei favourite fruit.
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Sweet and adorable no-brainer movie
This is a sweet and adorable movie. Even if there isn’t really anything new or different storyline and it is kind of similar to so many other same-themed movies/shows, it is entertaining and easy to watch-Character wise:
FL is the usual sweet and airheaded woman who is indebted to ML because of certain circumstances.
ML is the usual cold and shrewd CEO who inserts himself in FLs life because she is different from other women he knows.
Acting wise this isn’t exactly top shelf but I guess the actors were directed to act their characters so they appear a little silly, especially FL and her bestie. That is often the case when they want to make a lighthearted movie/show.
Well, if you are looking for something short, sweet and angst-free, this is actually worth watching.
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Is this a duck??? No it’s a Rabbit!!!
I watched this mainly for Chen Fei Yu and Zhou Ye, as I knew the original story in Japanese was sad and not a happy ending. I like this re-scripted version, where it gives viewers at least a feel good closure after all the agony the couple gone through.The story:
Is simple and straightforward. Boy meets girl at young age, she is his 白月光in his difficult childhood (abusive alcoholic father). Then they parted as girl’s family moved away. They met again in adulthood and quickly were attracted and got together. Misunderstanding because of ML’s past (father’s debt affected his self esteem and he was negative towards FL). Then misfortune happened, FL got into accident and die on ML’s birthday. And the magical element of this show here, is that his birthday candles and wish allows ML to relive the day before her accident. Every time he tried to change her fate or rescue her, FL will still end up dying. Till a point when FL realised and she made the ultimate wish of never to meet him as adult, never cross paths and never love, so they won’t suffer. And with that last wish, they both survived but they never met again. Until in the winter’s day (another significant theme for this couple as they met on winter), ML again walked into FL’s bakery and met her. Final scene, they grew old together.
My verdict:
The pacing was good, however the sweetness for the couple here is very short, and we have to go on a journey of agony till the last 5 mins of happy ending. But to be fair, I can’t expect much as it’s a 90mins movie. The chemistry were fantastic. The acting were clear and spot on. Really love Arther Chen’s deep set voice and he is very handsome here. Adored Zhou Ye’s pure and innocent portrayal of the character is so believable. She is a very pretty actress and her cuteness is just right.
So warm and fuzzy even on cold winter to have to beautiful CP getting together in the dreamland of drama world. Re-watch value 💯!
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Expectation Let Down
So, I am one of those people that watched episode 0 when it came out...and I was one of the many that was wow'd and expected the series which took forever to be released to live up to expectations I had from watching episode 0...well it was a dismal disappointment, and I am sure the Director and Script Writer, as well as the most of the actors for this project knew they did not do their best work when they put this mess together.The series, which was 12 episodes that I watched and fast-forwarded through a great chunk of due to horrible acting, and plot holes in the story line so huge you could park a Ford 150 King Cab or a 1970's station wagon in it. The supporting characters: Candy, Boat, etc...weren't even needed, they did nothing to move the story alone. If you wanted a comedy or to see incompetence, the the supporting character will give you what you are looking for.
The movie which was supposed to tie all 12 episodes plus episode 0 together, in a clean, clear and concise manner....FAILED!
There were still plot holes...there was still a pacing issue...there was still the unnecessary need of side characters, which added nothing to the story. I don't really know who to blame for this, the Writers, the Director, the Actors...but there is plenty of blame to go around. They did an excellent job with the soundtrack...the music for all of the releases was fire...that was the only great thing going for the drama and the movie. The expensive set locations was also great...they gave great advertisement to their sponsors, and that the only thing good I can say about this drama and movie.
The actors who portrayed Nine - Chahub and Daonuea - Best (especially Best), has put out other dramas that were really good, therefore I know he is capable of delivering better. I was not charmed by the way he portrayed Daonuea, the character was too whiney for my taste and so unsure of himself. Anyways, I think I've said enough to express my disappointment. I really wished the drama could have a new screenwriter and director who understand what needs to be done to clean up any holes and direct actor on effective execution....it could have been so good.
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"It's a trap!"
Hansan: Rising Dragon is a prequel of sorts to Admiral: Roaring Currents, with the events taking place five years earlier. The battle we are told was a war of the righteous against the unrighteous as Hideyoshi of Japan sought to put both Joseon and China under his heel. To protect his country, the shrewd and stoic Admiral Yi Sun Sin took on the ambitious and cocky General Wakisaka in a deadly game of oceanic chicken.The film begins with Joseon having suffered several humiliating defeats. In a battle of spying and strategizing, both sides seek to gain the upper hand for the inevitable sea battle. Yi's ship designer has developed plans for a new and improved turtle ship which the Japanese promptly steal. The first three quarters of the film deal with spying, coordinating or killing allies, and preparing for the fights for survival on land and sea.
Having watched Admiral: Roaring Currents I was underwhelmed with this film. It was lacking in the same tension and energy. Much of the first half of the film bounced around so much that it was hard to keep up, much less emotionally connect with any of the characters. I was surprised to discover the same man directed both. I suppose the difference was that The Admiral had a different screenwriter. The pacing and character development were noticeably lacking in comparison to the previous film.
Overall, the acting was serviceable. Park Hae Il played Yi so stoically that the famous admiral seemed devoid of any personality. He held the same expression throughout the film regardless of what was going on around him. The only character who drew me in was a samurai who pledged his allegiance to the great Joseon admiral. Kim Sung Gyu gave a compelling performance as the double agent who chose to fight on the side of righteousness. The bloated cast had many a familiar face if you could make them out behind the beards.
The water battles and CGI were spectacular giving you the claustrophobic experience inside a ship all while showing the full scope of battleships with their canons firing and splintering the opposing ships. The water sequences worked well with the varying currents as did the fog and wind elements. The land skirmishes lacked any weight to them and seemed very small scale in comparison to the sea battles.
The final fourth of the film was engaging as Admiral Yi showed why navies around the world have studied him even centuries later. Outnumbered and outgunned he outfoxed Wakisaka in a game of Crane Wing vs Fish Scale. This was a man you did not want to play chicken with, especially when death was on the line. I only wish the first three-fourths of the film had been remotely as captivating as the final showdown.
6/10/23
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A sumptuous period fantasy that delivers!
I have not read the manga nor was I familiar with the story. I knew that it had Ren Meguro in it and I was swayed by the trailers -- especially the elements of fantasy -- to watch it. And I am so happy that I did! It premiered at the Japanese Cultural Centre in Toronto today; and I am so glad that I went. There is something to be said about the experience of watching a movie with an audience that is wanting to be charmed by what they watch unfold on screen.Without spoiling the movie, I will say that the production quality is incredible. I think they used heritage sites for most of the filming and it really shows in the movie. They add a depth of place and history that you wouldn't find otherwise. The costumes worked well too. I'll agree with the earlier review that they had a challenge in compressing a significant and complicated story into 1 hour and 57 minutes but they did a reasonable job. As a newbie, I didn't find it rushed or choppy, which is a testament to the script writing and editing, especially since so much of the film relies on cutaways.
The leads were terrific. Their chemistry was on point. And whoever thought of putting Ren Meguro in a grey wig with long hair and a navy military uniform is a genius. It worked perfectly. He looks in part formidable military commander, a leader with hidden warmth. and a man in search of the warmth of hearth and home --without even knowing it. He is the archetypal hero but with a strong streak of pragmatism, which makes the character even more attractive. Especially when the commander is replaced by a fumbling young man hesitantly exploring the dangerous territory of his emotions. Mia Imada is lovely as the wide-eyed damsel in distress, who possesses unexpected depths. So much of her resistance is hidden under a dramatically vulnerable exterior. The grief and pain of her history manifest in unexpected ways, reminiscent of a trauma survivor. Watching the two of them open up to each other is done well. It's very lightly handled with more left in side long looks, and aborted gestures than what is actually said out loud.
And now to the piece that I loved. I would watch it again just to relive the fantasy elements and special effects. The way Kiyoka Kudo handles a spark of fire is fantastic. It's poetic. Glittering embers of light streak across the screen like fireflies. Its power to destroy and to heal is a visual treat. The fight scenes are well choreographed with sabres flashing and cloaks swirling and magic manifesting. Little is said. In fact, little needs to be said because the physicality and layers of these scenes speak for themselves underscored as they are by a terrific OST. There is a delicious denouement with the villainous family that left me and the rest of the audience clapping in delight!!
All in all, tropes and cliches aside, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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Just one word: MASTERPIECE
This movie has to be one of the best,if not the best, mystery/psychologiac thriller in the history of movies, ALL MOVIES not only the Kdramas. There is too much to be told about this movie. At the start, I just thought that they had done something with his brother's brain, maybe someone took control of his body? maybe someone hypnotized him in doing this? But oh God it never came to mind how the whole thing was gonna end. The plot twists were unthinkable, I would never think of such a thing, the director has to be some kind of genius. And did I mention the actors' acting? God it was PERFECT! My boy Kang Ha Neul did such an amazing job ♡. The music? The way it made the suspense scenes even more suspenc-y; and scary was just amazing.Truth to be told, I actually watched this movie bc of Kang Ha Neul (I love him sm) but I'm so glad I did. And Kim Mu Yeol, hello? His acting is perfect, I need more of him, please. ( Kang Ha Neul too, GIVE MY BOY MORE MAIN ROLES!!!)
Don't just put it in your watchlist to watch another time. Stop looking for more series/movies in this platform. Go watch it NOW! 1hr and 48mins is one and a half episode of a drama series, it won't hurt to go watch it now...
or...
maybe it will hurt in the end..?
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I am a Sadako Junkie!
I have watched all the Sadako movies before this, but my least favorite storyline was the 3D one, if that helps define which Sadako movies I like (without spoiling anything). This movie was good quality, with beautiful actors/actresses, and music/sound effects were effective for creating a thrilling horror experience. As for the story, it didn't seem to introduce much lore about Sadako, and at first it felt like it was just repeating the plot from the earlier movies. But there is a twist later on in the story and the writers did a good job with making it logical. The acting was amazing, and I loved both the leads. Great for a watch, and it didn't feel as scary as some of the other ones, but maybe I just knew what to expect, and it wasn't as bad as Sadako 3DWas this review helpful to you?
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a must watch!
What a movie! What an experience!I loved every part of it but especially the acting. I can't believe that this is the same person that played such an innocent character in 2521. I love that actors don't just stick with one genre but explore and my oh my she's one talented actress indeed.
Furthermore, the story is just top notch. I was shocked when there was this plot twist...and also how weird that a child had to read such vulgar words, but then again it goes with the story, albeit weird. I especially loved how the men were punished at the end. I did not expect a happy ending with that poster but I was pleasantly surprised.
I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone who loves and appreciates all kinds of genres, not just romcom.
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"Freedom is something you have to fight for"
In No Regrets for Our Youth, Kurosawa Akira presented many questions, but gave few answers. More than a political referendum on Japan's militaristic actions, the film focused on Yagihara Yukie's responses to the events going on around her, the choices she made and how she grew into her own sense of responsibility and freedom.The film begins using the actual Takigawa incident at the Kyoto University in 1932 as a springboard, only with fictional characters. In the film, Yukie's father, Professor Yagihara, comes under fire for his liberal opinions. Students protest and professors are fired or quit. During this time, Yukie is torn between two students. Itokawa doesn't rock the boat and conforms to what is going on in the country. Noge Ryukichi is a firebrand firmly against the country's militaristic actions and leans decidedly left. Noge chooses a path away from the school leading to a stint in jail while Itokawa stays, becomes a prosecutor, and woos Yukie. After a recently released Noge accompanies Itokawa to a family dinner, Yukie realizes she needs a fresh start for she still loves Noge and does not want the dull life Itokawa offers. She moves to Tokyo to work, later meeting and marrying Noge. The two are incarcerated around the time Pearl Harbor is bombed. When Yukie's parents are finally able to have her released, she travels to her in-laws instead of staying in the relative wealth of her parents' home. Her in-laws live as night owls due to their connection with Noge and are ostracized by the villagers. Yukie finds what she's been missing as she digs into the earth at her mother-in-law's side planting rice.
Yukie, played by Ozu regular Hara Setsuko, goes from flighty, rash, entitled daughter to a woman so sure of herself that Itokawa proclaims, "Your sheer life force makes me feel ashamed!" The two male leads are as gray and uninteresting as the screen in the movie. Without Hara, the film would be too bland to care about. No Regrets for Our Youth was the last of Kurosawa's movies featuring a woman. Yukie was certainly one of his most interesting and likeable female characters. The film took a long time for her to go from her father's beliefs, to her husband's to finally finding her own beliefs. Her father knew the path she was taking would be difficult. "Remember that there will be sacrifices in the struggle for freedom." For the individual or the country, it would be true for both. Noge and Yukie held to the motto, "No regrets in my life" and that sustained her through her many trials. Her turning point, epiphany if you will, seemed to come while standing calf deep in the mud of a rice paddy. The film didn't really become interesting to me until the last third to quarter when Yukie finally started coming into her own.
The film itself felt poorly edited for a Kurosawa film. At the beginning of the film, the students on a hilltop hear gunfire believing it to be practice but find a badly wounded soldier just below them, something that was never explained. Perhaps it simply required a greater familiarity with the history of this time. While Yukie commanded the screen, her actions and emotions could be erratic, almost manic. One moment she's laughing, the next she's crying, or staring blankly into space, constantly swinging between extreme emotions. Her actions could be rash with Kurosawa unwilling to give us a reason for them. Though the politics of the time impacted the characters' lives, aside from the evils of militarism and the gestapo-like Tokko/Thought Police who cracked down on freedom of thought, the politics seemed rather vague most of the time. We don't know specifically what the professor said that caused him to be fired or what Noge did that landed him in jail. For the most part we only see how the events caused Yukie to react and their impact on her.
Near the end of the movie a title declares, "War Ends. Freedom Restored." Just as Noge had predicted, his work would be seen in light of fighting for Japan's peace and prosperity. At this point Yukie's family expects her to return to her comfortable life now that her husband's actions are framed in a positive manner. For Yukie, she has found her freedom and where her responsibility lies and it is in a simple life working with the dirt of the earth. The vacuous girl has grown into a woman who has sacrificed much to earn her place in the world and she's not willing to go backward. No Regrets for Our Youth started out slow but finished strong largely on the performance of Hara Setsuko.
6/10/23
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AMAZING ROMANCE MOVIE - RECOMMEND IF YOU LIKE FLUFFY, HEALING, ARRANGED MARRIAGE TROPES
THIS MOVIE WAS AMAZING!! I came for Imada Mio, Meme, and some fluffy romance tropes, and I walked away happy.now look, the plot was extremely fast paced and rushed, which makes sense since they had to compress so much manga and light novels into one film. the lore and worldbuilding was all given over voiceover and I absorbed *none* of it. I had no idea what was going on in terms of the magic system wise throughout the movie but it didn't matter because....
I came for the romance and the romance delivered. Imada Mio and Meme were just so cute together, their chemistry was decent too. my fav trope is a couple healing each other and I was 100% left satisfied on that score. yeah, the FL cries and whimpers a lot and can be a damsel in distress but it makes sense bc of her awful childhood. it was heartwarming watching the ML build up her confidence and strength thru sheer kindness. and it was so touching to see her melt his heart. another fav trope - seemingly badass general is actually a shy, awkward softboi? check ✅. and Miyo turns out to be badass and not defenceless and worthless like everyone told her before her marriage... but I won't spoil it.
I loved seeing other actors I stan in this:
- Tao (she served so hard I didn't even mind all the flashbacks scenes with the admittedly gorgeous kimono)
- the Kanokari ML. no, idk his name. yes I appreciate him. yes we exist.
- the ML from Neko.
- my new crush, Takaishi Akari from JK to Haijin. even tho the latter was so evil in this. nice acting tho.
my only complaint would be that this movie needed more time with the couple instead of the fantasy/action elements. bc, let me be honest, I didn't come for that and neither I did the rest of audience I think.
otherwise I really loved this movie. as a romance movie, it was a solid 10/10, but I wish that was all it was. shoutout to the sound effects, visuals and gorgeous cinematography as well.
so, overall, i'd say this is a solid 8.7/10. def lived up to the hype.
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