April Story (1998)

A heartwarming film about love

Even though it is Shunji Iwai's simplest film, it does not lose all its symbolism behind a beautiful film. We meet Uzuki, played by Takako Matsu, where she moves from her city to another because of college. Uzuki goes through difficult times, as she is alone all the time, faces difficulties at school and spends almost the entire film alone. Like all Shunji Iwai films, it is extremely beautiful and comforting to watch. Obviously, it is a very simple film, different from his other films.

But, I think he just wanted to make something comforting to watch, for me it needs more time for much more development. But, 67 minutes is already good enough, it is very comfortable to watch, especially if you are with someone else. We see the journey of a person facing the problems of adult life alone, until at a certain point she manages to make friends and in the end finds her love. In the rain, with a red umbrella.

"When I entered university, my school teacher said it was a miracle. But if this was a miracle... want to call it a miracle of love."

Direction and soundtrack, as always, are very beautiful and gorgeous, made by Shunji Iwai himself, he is such a genius, there's no way.

This film is meant to make you feel warm, to be happy with the character. Even though she doesn't have any major conflicts in her life, you feel happy to follow her journey.

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The miracle of love

"The miracle of love."

A gentle, calm and heartwarming story. I loved it. Romantic love is just a side plot of this movie, in my opinion. It's an April Story but very suitable to watch in December for some coziness. Matsu Takano looked so young and beautiful in this movie, and her voice was just so soft and soothing!

My rating might be a little biased, because the 1990s is one of my favorite eras, and I always love stories about shy introverted characters, with lots of books, and a local bookstore hidden in the corner. April is also my birth month. Plus, that introverted character loves sitting on a park bench reading a book, and riding a bicycle around the neighborhood? Perfection.

I may write a longer review later.

By the way, I might also fall for a smart guy who works at a hidden bookstore. :)

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