Bokura no Sonzai wo Kike (2022)

Watch the Prequel First

I stumbled across the prequel "Everyone is a Freaking Idiot" [listed as "Everyone is a Stupid" on MDL], a short but impactful film. In my opinion, any viewer of this film must watch the prequel first for essential context.

This film centres on the relationship between the two boys from the prequel, Sosuke and Satoru, one year on. We are introduced to Haruka, another student from their earlier school days. All three strive to be better people, despite being tormented in one way or another. The hurt they feel seems to have no outlet, though, and they struggle to find their footing.

Both films are very low-budget, but very well-directed and acted. The story may seem slow, but, in fact, is very tight. Nothing feels extraneous here. Yes, there is some awful camera shaking at one point, but it is only mildly distracting. The music fits and isn't intrusive.

Both these films tugged at my heartstrings, and I could not look away. Both are well worth the time spent watching.

[With special thanks to the fansubber who made both films available to international audiences.]

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