Flying Colors

I'm still amazed I don't know what is this black magic because I came to watch this movie by chance and the plot wasn't something amazing to catch my attention but here it goes my review:
STORY
Like I said before the plot is very typical for japanese dramas and the yankee or problematic kids it's a theme that's very present in japanese dramas or movies but this movie wasn't about a problematic child it was something more.
ACTING/CAST
Seriously the main actress Arimura Kasumi really impressed me because I watched strobe edege (movie that I hated...yeah I'm weird and don't kill me thanks) but this movie really proved me wrong and showed me that she's a great actress and that I should be checking more of her works.
Yoshida You was incredible as Sayaka's mom she made me cry at least 2 times, well actually I was a sea of tears maybe because I'm very sensitive lol she really stood out for me in this movie and I'll make sure to check out more of her movies or dramas.
Of course we can't forget Ito Atsushi as that positive teacher that more of one we would have liked to have when we were in high school, he did a great job being this optimistic, kind and inspirational teacher, great job.
MUSIC
Actually I like some of the music here and there was a song by Masquerade that I really liked (and I know that because I searched it with shazam lol) the music fits pretty well with the movie and you may discover some good music
REWATCH VALUE
10/10 nothing more to say about it for me at least.
OVERALL
A great movie that you need to watch, it was a story that can happen in real life and shows you the importance of a good role model or you don't even need that just with someone that believes in you like Sayaka's mom, it really touched me. If you're sensitive like me maybe you'll cry but I cried and laughed with this amazing movie so after this long review YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS!

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Just as a note, I never write reviews, but this movie touched my feelings so much that I feel like I should share why I think everyone should watch this film.

I don't think I disliked anything about this movie. It made me realise certain things, that you don't get anywhere if you don't try your hardest. I've always been someone who doesn't try their best, and I've always done the minimum possible when it comes to studying, that's why whilst watching this I could picture myself in a similar situation.

The story is in itself like a lesson everyone should learn, and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of this movie. I don't know how much I can say without spoiling anything. Basically if you think this movie is all about laughs and a straight road to success, you've got it so wrong. It's so much more than that on many levels, it shows you the life of a student which never tried at school. It shows you the hardships of studying, hardships of life itself. Everything from the brothers story to the family problems was what made the story even more worth watching. Don't expect to watch this without shedding a tear or two, because I did, and I never cry with movies to be honest. It might have been because I'm probably too emotional at the moment since I'm going through a hard patch myself.

The acting was on point. I literally felt everything from all characters, I felt like I was being sucked into their world and right on the spot, all the tears whether of sadness or joy were there. I related to some at times with hard choices to make concerning friendships and school.

If I were to summarise this into three words I would probably just say: Watch this movie
You won't regret it, you'll probably think about it for a while after its finished, you might find some motivation in it to do something you've always wanted to do because that's what this movie has done to me, taught me to never give up.

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This is a feel good movie if I've ever seen one.

You'll quickly become attached to both Sayaka and Ito-sensei. They are both such vibrant characters that suit each other perfectly. Not even in a romantic way, of course! But with something more important - mutual respect. To add on that, it's refreshing to watch a movie NOT about romance, there is barely even a hint of it in this movie, instead it definitely focuses on respect and believing in yourself - which I think we could all do a little bit more of.

If you don't come out of this movie wanting to try harder, I'd be shocked.

The story itself is somewhat typical of Japanese dramas, I'll admit. But the way it's executed is what's key in this movie.

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Characters

I fell in love with Sayaka almost straight away. There was just something about her that drew me in and kept me there for the remainder of the film. The way she tried her best and didn't let being ridiculed stop her really resonated with me. She was such a strong character and honestly I don't think I'll ever forget her.

Ito-sensei was the teacher we all wish we had in school. Unwavering acceptance and belief in all his students. Even the memory tugs at the heart strings. Too many teachers get disenchanted with the job of teaching others, but Ito-sensei had that fire in him that would never go out. How I seriously wish I had a teacher like him in school - then maybe I wouldn't have thought I was only set up for failure. Ito-sensei should be the inspiration for all teachers. Get to know your students and find out what way of learning suits them best.

Akari - aka Mama Kudo. Sayaka's mum. This precious, precious mum. My heart broke for her so many times. She was so devoted and loving I just wanted to give her a huge hug and tell her to get rid of some of that weight on her shoulders. But I guess that's part of what being a mum is about, taking on the worries and fears of your children as your own and working hard to eliminate them.

Reiji was such a sweet character. A man left with the burden of becoming yet another lawyer in a line of lawyers - a burden that he doesn't want at all. I would have liked to have seen more of his character, because he felt a little insignificant in the grand scheme of things? Like he was brought in for a reason, but they decided against it. Still, you saw enough of his character to like him.

I would talk about other characters, but I feel like I can't without putting in spoilers. So instead I'll talk about the acting. I had absolutely 0 problems with any of them. Sayaka's character type is hard to pull off sometimes, it can either be too little enthusiasm or too much, like there's no in between, but Arimura Kasumi made it seem effortless. Through the ups and downs, you'll feel what the characters are feeling and this is largely thanks to the acting.

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Music

Honestly, this will be a super short section because I barely noticed the music if I'm honest, and I'll assume this part in particular will be anyone's reason to lower the score. The highlight for me was the song at the end credits. And honestly, I liked the movie so much maybe I just missed the soundtrack entirely because I was too engrossed in watching.

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Rewatch

I would 100% watch this movie again.

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Overall

I loved this movie. If you need a feel good movie, this is the one for you. If you need a kick in the butt to work harder, this is the movie for you. If you need reminding that you can try your best and succeed because you're worth it, watch this movie! No matter what anyone else calls you, you know who you are and you're the only one who can determine your own worth.

Also watch the credits!

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Honestly, I don't know what I could say about this movie that would be bad, because who doesn't love a well-done story about growing up and learning to stop counting yourself out in life? The message is a solid one of not looking at your past and using it as an excuse to quit on your future. You can literally come from anywhere and have done anything, and you Still have it in you to make something of yourself. What you look like, who your family is, who your friends are, your grades in school, it doesn't matter. That doesn't define you and what you are capable of.

I came for the Gyaru, but I stayed for the heart.

(Just a little caveat for anyone thinking of watching this because it has a character who wears Alternative Japanese Fashion. Her fashion is a very minor part of the story and eventually disappears, so don't expect any really cute outfits or anything. That's not what this movie is about.)

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Okay, as always, my motivation to notice this drama was Arimura Kasumi is the main role. She is cute, my favorite. Lol. Enough, let's move on to the main topic. The story, first I thought the plot was going too fast. But, then I know... Sayaka's lifestyle and how she became a biri girl weren't the main story and conflict of the plots. This movie is about a hard work, struggling, crying in a despair, and catch the dream. I want to say, watch this movie and we will get the motivation, especially if we are still a student. Thanks to this movie, now I've got my motivation back. Love Arimura Kasumi <3

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A movie that the title (and description for that matter) doesn't do it justice. Truthfully, they both make it sound like a comedy that would quickly get boring. But, it is actually quite an enjoyable film, with the leading lady rocking it with her performance. The movie had a light feeling, but explored the family dynamics very effectively, giving it a little depth. The fact that the film makers didn't focus, or added, a romantic element into it, to overshadow the whole main story, helped a lot to turn the film into a more unique movie than the rest manga like movies. However, the romance "danger" was there, with an other outcast dropped there, dangerously approaching the girl. But the film just kept focused on the main plot, having the girl outsmart herself and aim for the miracle. So, 8 out of 10.

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I will open my heart to you, this is the kind of film I needed to watch before I applied to my dream course, as I was watching it I felt really motivated following the underdog improve despite a lot of naysayers. And that's where I was then, unfortunately I didn't have an Akari or a Tsubota to believe in me and I think they were the pillars that made Sayaka's dream possible, sure her hard work is praisable, but she was stuck and those two were fundamental for her to start moving and I guess this is one of the largest issues in today's education, parents don't put enough effort to help their children, even Akari's reason to help Sayaka - even more than being her mum - was that her mother didn't help her, so she didn't want her children to feel the same. Nevertheless, Sayaka's tenacity, as the ending song, spark a flame in me towards a project I was postponing, I will put my efforts to my Masters program in Japan goal.

Now for the film, I believe that this motivational film is able to pinpoint several aspects of a student's life when they are applying to college in most places of the world, sleepless nights, stress and even the words of comfort that our protagonist hears are great, I was even impressed how well-written Akari was and how lucky Sayaka is to have a mum like that, however a lacking point which should be placed here is how to deal with the stress, sometimes we can overstudy and this start to consume us and if we don't have an outlet we might end up burning out, each person have their own way to release the steam, but I guess this specific moment deserved a scene when Sayaka reached that point.

Acting wise there are three characters that are great: Sayaka (Arimura Kasumi), Tsubota (Ito Atsushi) and Akari (Yoshida You). Sayaka and Akari couldn't be any better, Tsubota felt lacking in some parts, but not as acting, his story involved other students and I would like to know at least if they were able to achieve their dreams, for such a caring teacher, that is an out.

I hope that this film is able to spark a fire in other people's hearts and that you are able to achieve your dreams through hard work, don't be afraid to ask your parents for help to reach your dreams and work really hard to make them come true.

I just want to point out that Keio's motto means "a human is created neither above nor beneath any other", so your dream is reachable if you are willing and working hard enough!

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A movie that inspires you to follow your dreams!

I didn't have many expectations when I was going to watch this movie, but I was wrong!

It was very inspiring and touching, the fact that no matter how hard it was for the girl to get into the university she would never stop studying and she would ignore everyone around her who didn't believe in her.
It also shows the reality of some families where some kids are treated better and the other are forgotten.

I liked the cast since they made me laugh but also feel the emotions of the story. The music was pretty,

A negative point about this movie was the fact that I found it too confusing, I couldn't quite understand what she and her teacher were talking about and because of that i would get lost in the whole story.

I think the ending was good and inspiring and I loved the fact that it wasn't that unrealistic ending where she gets everything she want easily, I think that was cool!

I recommend this movie to inspire someone who is concerned about their future and following their dreams, but I warn that the movie can be confusing.

I don't think this would be worth to rewatch because it wouldn't be that interesting.

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A surprisingly strong story

I can't believe I didn't have faith in this movie. I just clicked because of the gyaru. But my my this movie is more then surface level. It's shows a brilliant understanding of the worth of people. The fact that this was based on a true story is even more impressive.

Sayaka is infectious and you cannot help root for her. Ito sensei was a perfect example of a teacher doing right by his students. Sayaka's mother also played such a great emotional anchor to her daughter. I really enjoyed the interactions she had with Sayaka. The acting by Yoshida was top notch. All the emotional encouragements and words of strength really made her character believable and real. The father and son relationship was hard to watch but sometimes it felt a little over the top despite it's seriousness. I also think it was fantastic the male lead also didn't turn into a straight romantic relationship. It could of easily fallen into that trap. I think the overall cast was fantastic but Kasumi though man, this movie made me want to get up and do something about my life. So many moments were warm and genuinely heartfelt. One scene that still stays with me is the onsen scene with her friends.

That is what is the most important message in this movie. And it doesn't just start with work hard and you will get everything you ever wanted. The movie repeatedly beats down Sayaka and it makes her journey so strong. I felt strongly rooting for her and felt all the losses. I think this plot is surprisingly realistic in that they depict having to continue working hard to get somewhere. It doesn't just happen. You need to actively participate all the time in order to get something out of life. But in order to do so, you need support. It can't all be done alone and I loved that movie showed this strongly.

The cinematography especially during moments of Sayaka's studying and heartbreak were gut wrenching. It was really engaging with uses of wide shots and beautiful lighting. Music was also really great. The piano and cellos played with your heart.

So watch this movie and trust me you will feel something special.

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Inspiring story

I've never heard of this movie till someone shared it on the feeds and I've decided to give it a try because why not!

I must say, I quite enjoyed it, I always have a soft spot with this kind of coming of age story and this movie delivered well on its own. It was so simple yet I can somehow relate to it and can't help but to root for her till the end. She was not, in my surprise, a dislikeable character at all like I thought.

I quite appreciate the development of the story throughout the whole movie, it was really well done and I was glad to understand a bit more of her character and her surrounding.

I would say I liked all the characters except her teacher in high school but what scared me it's that some people are like him in real life and didn't think of the psychological aspect of the student and also, they only have one way to think about it.
I also didn't like her father although I understand his behavior, it's even scarely relatable but it didn't excuse for it, it's still wrong.

So overall, it has this heartfelt, encouraging / inspiring and kind of life lesson story that I found it somehow appealing.
However, if we think rationally, this movie is too positive for that BUT I won't bring this up and stay to my thought that it was a great movie after all.

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