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A really lovely film!
I have mixed feelings on Japanese dramas and films. The FLs often times infuriate me because they always seem to go along with whatever stupid thing someone else tells them to do. I have to say that this going to the top of my list as one of my favorite J-movies. If you are looking for chemistry and passion, you should pass on this one, but you would be missing out. It's more about the story and the development of the characters and I loved it. The OST was amazing also.Was this review helpful to you?
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Great premise, yet the story fell flat.
I have high expectation for this drama, first of all, the title is great, super attractive and captivating. Then I liked how the movie started, enough tension to draw the viewer in... The premise was so good too: a lonely and stiff woman in modern Japan only got a year to live, and she decided to go all out in life, to be free and crazy and luxurious and love and hate like never before. And the male partner was good too, a host in Kabukicho, a natural womanizer with a caring and thoughtful manner (and he could cook too!). There were plenty clues that pointed to a good drama ahead. But no :) The premise was there, but the story was nowhere to be found. The meet-cute between ML and FL was not persuasive, I couldn't see how ML could come and ask FL for such a favor... Then I blamed the movie for skipping or avoiding all the key details. For example: it never tried to explain/show how the ML felt the FL "loveable", or at least tried to convince us that ML wanted to stay by FL's side because he felt touched, warm or something like that. One more scene that bothered me a lot was the first encounter between FL and ML's sister, FL was met with harsh and brutal words from that spoiled sister, and I really couldn't understand the motives or background story behind that personal attack (and funnily how these two girls got along so very well by the end of the movie, out of the blue). In short, all the premise of the movie wasn't translated into a convincing story. It's all over the places, the story was scattered and somehow made me feel like it tried too hard to be a 'slice of life' drama where every sad/bad sides of ppl should be met with natural empathy, if I don't feel it, then I must be a stupid/bad person :( But sorry, I don't like this movie a bit, I don't feel any chemistry between ML and FL (even as partners in crime/partners in life, not in a sense of romance), the relationships between the leads and the ppl close to them are haft-hearted too ( or 2 hours are not enough to portray anything convincing?). The only good thing about this movie maybe the aesthtics of cinematography, and that's all for me. Sad but true.Was this review helpful to you?
A Sweet Heart Beneath a Bleak Exterior
The attention-grabbing title didn't give me any indication of what to expect, whether comedy, romance or tear-jerker, but it made me want to find out.As it turns out, this film is closest to slice-of-life, with two rather unique main characters. I was immediately interested in the unusual relationship between the two leads. The plot developed quickly without feeling rushed. At one point, I paused and was surprised to see that there were only about 15 minutes remaining, whereas I could easily have watched their story unfold for another hour or two.
This is by no means a sweet, fluffy romance. The overall look of the movie drives that point home: colours are desaturated, and the lighting is either dark and dreary or garish and artificial. The environments are generally quite depressing, with a few exceptions.
Despite the bleak atmosphere and transactional relationships, I didn't feel sad or upset while watching, but rather intrigued. There's an underlying sense of optimism throughout the story that kept me engaged and made me feel as though everything would turn out for the best. I was unable to predict the ending, but as it approached, I realised I would be satisfied with any of the possible outcomes.
I gave it a high rating because I found it an enjoyable watch, but I can see how it won't be for everyone. It was a refreshing and surprisingly realistic, low-drama movie with a sweet heart, despite its seedy settings.
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I’m an easy person to please.
Honestly this movie warms my heart. I loved how its a story between to people who is extroverted but empathetic making ends meet host and aloof dying worker. Those two descriptions are the best that I can give for both of the main characters.I’m an easy person to please and this film tugs my heart because of how both characters achieved a better version of themselves whilst being together despite their differences. Obviosuly, looking at the deeper lens, being a married host really raises some qeustionable moral ethical issues, but if you’re too shallow to don’t even mind it, then this is for you. Genuinely had fun watching it. It even made me hope for a genuine love and care to come in my life like that, excluding all the host sht of course, hahaha
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Heart-warming comfort movie
This turned out to be completely different than I had expected. I started watching this movie thinking it will be way more unhinged (given the whole idea of buying a man, whose original profession is a host) and at the same time more romcom-ish.What I got instead was a heart-warming story about different life choices/ways to live one's life and companionship.
The plot felt refreshing, but not too over the top crazy. Despite a somewhat risque premise, the story ultimately turned out to be very heart-warming, wholesome, domestic even.
Main characters were either likeable (Sena), or at the very least intriguing (Yui), so following their story was an effortless endeavour. Shibasaki Ko was really good in her portrayal. I was familiar with Akaso Eiji, seeing him previously in Cherry Magic and Hey Sensei, Don't You Know?
This movie was his best performance that I've watched yet.
It's definitely one of those comfort movies that makes you feel all warm and lovely inside.
Also, I teared up towards the ending.
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Very Underrated Film
This is a really unique story about two people who come into each other's lives for two totally different reasons. One finding out she has cancer and the other in desperate need of money. In the very beginning I wasn't it expecting it to be a solid story, but it really blossoms into a great drama, very realistic, and having two protagonists give fantastic performances.I'm always a fan of Eiji Akaso, and as usual, he did not disappoint in this role. He plays a character like you've never seen him before, blending perfectly with Ko Shibasaki. It was so unlikely this two would work, but after the first few minutes, you just sit back and enjoy the entertainment.
The story itself can be a bit on the depressing side, not just because of the aspect of a cancer diagnosis, but there are several sub stories that bleed into the main one, completing the puzzle for a dark drama with just the hint of comedy from time to time.
All in all, it's a very fast two hours seeing everything come together. It shows how some tings do happen for a reason and how life can have its ups and downs in a very short period of time.
Definitely worth watching!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Um filme bem interessante
confesso que não estava esperando muita coisa, e me surpreendi! eu achei a história super interessante sobre uma mulher mais velha com câncer que decidiu comprar um host! achei que seria um j-trauma e não foi nada disso! um final super feliz e bonito! fiquei feliz que ela decidiu viver a vida bem e feliz junto com o Sena! é um filme que você acha que vai ser ruim e triste, mas é ao contrário disso! pra mim vale super apena, as atuações foram impecáveis, osts boas, produção ótima e uma boa cinematografia! 8.0Was this review helpful to you?
