~ Favorite Japanese Films ~

What can I even say about this film? It's such an underrated masterpiece. The cinematography of this film is one that blows me away every time I rewatch it. Although some may think it is a bit long, this film is really a journey. The way the color pops although the underlying plot is sad is a beautiful contrast. And how could I forget.. THE MUSIC?? The fact I can't stream this whole OST on spotify is a crime ?!! If you love musicals this is one for youuu!!

I can't look at a key the same anymore LOL...  Taking a look at the beginning and end of the film, I would've never expected that outcome. This was so good I had to show it to my friends, and they loved it too. The amount of symbolism and just overall good plot had me glued to the screen for the whole runtime.  Def recommend this one, could never go wrong with films from Toshiaki Toyoda!

Another Toshiaki Toyoda entry on this list, as you can see, probably one of my favorite Japanese directors. Although this film is slow, the last 20 mins is where it shines. It gave me so much anxiety and I had no idea what direction it would go. I love how this film depicts teen angst and mental health without directly talking about it (through actions, etc.) It really takes the viewer along for the ride and experience these teens sometimes, questionable decisions.

I don't know .. something about this one just processes a lot for me. First watch I cried (as older japanese films/dramas tend to do for me) Even though the film has a overall sad plot, it's one of my comfort films. Now you're probably like ..  how can something sad find it's way to be one of your comfort films?? I'm not really sure either LOLL .. The main character Teru is just adorable and I think that's what provides the comfort aspect at least for me. Although he went and goes through a lot in the film, he finds a way to be positive about it all. This film is a slow burner, and as someone who isn't really a fan of them, this one had a good pace. Having  Koyuki and Yosuke as the mains was a great casting decision. And lastly.. I can't forget.. THE OST! I feel like people might see a pattern with everything I like and yesss the OST makes suchhh a big difference in every film. This one thank GOD is available to listen to on spotify!!

major depression... (*needs rewatch for more of a lengthly review*)

Another slow burner on the list. It had it's moments where it lost me but in the outcome, it made me put it on this list. I went into this film with a little bias I'll say tho as I love Ryuhei and Eita. 2 of my fav japanese actors right on one screen *side-eye* ... couldn't resist. The drama is def better tho as it has more character development. 

While the first film had more of a dark undertone, this sequel has more of a lighthearted feel to it! Because of this, this film has more of the feel that the drama has and I enjoyed it bit more than the first film hence the .5 difference.

*never wrote a review, needs rewatch!!*

So I def recommend this movie because it is a direct continuation of the drama! I loved the little easter eggs that were referenced in the drama show up in this movie, like moko and her ocarina. Wish it was on Netflix to watch it all the time, but no worries cause I bought the DVD LOL  Just loved the overall vibes of this, and OMG the new Kisarazu Cats song in this  *chefs kiss* I love it .. it made me buy the cd too LOL... just found a new guilty pleasure clearly. Now on to watch the next movie...KISARAZUUUU CATS NYYYAAAA CATS NYAAAAA CATS NYAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 

SPOLIER WARNINGGG!!

Welp... not me crying *cries* This movie has a little more of a serious undertone to it since it is the last one and the conclusion to the drama. When Bussan finally called his dad "dad" when he was dying, and the "bye bye" at the end.... the water works bruh kms. I loved every minute with these dramas/movies. Def a comfort drama that I will rewatch all the time!

This movie was really heartwarming and cute. That ending… omg goosebumps and I had the biggest smile on my face *cries* I did hear about the original manga ending and I’m so glad the movie didn’t keep it in cause honestly it’s like really weird and disgusting lol. Def would watch this again if I’m ever feeling down <3 Oh.. and Mana Ashida never disappoints  

This is a nice slow heartwarming film. Definitely watched for Sho, but loved the overall vibe. Doctors are humans too, with real emotions. I think many people forget that. Probably shed a few tears …. In a way this film has a bit of a Laundry (2002) feel to it in a way (of course in a hospital setting), but in the sense that it’s just a calming film I can see myself coming back to to rewatch when I need peace of mind. Def rec to anyone that just needs a peaceful film to pass time, and maybe needs a little tear to roll down their face lol

A really slow burner .. but the OST is 10/10 on this one.. so it makes the movie for me. The story is also pretty good too !

Ngl I loved this movie. It had a bit of a battle royale feel to it in a way, but lowkey better. Also that ending wat ?? Def need to watch second one soon...  I can see myself rewatching this one, honestly want it on blu ray. And of course, I came and watched for Nino but ended up loved all the acting from the actors. Oh and lastly … THAT OSSTTT… def need to add that to my fav osts playlist def rec this movie !

Wow.. I really loved this film. I cheesed a lot, laughed, and even teared up at moments. *cries* I’m definitely going to look up the real Asadas book cause I really love the backstories to each of the images. I also appreciate Masashi for respecting those affected by the earthquake/tsunami cause those reporters.... That ending also made me laugh LOL love this family. Would rewatch <3 rec a bunch.

Honestly I loved this movie. Was it weird? Yes LOL but it was a fun ride. It just was nothing but mischievous behavior the whole movie. I will say tho I was shocked to see that tone shift towards the end... that really caught me off guard and my jaw dropped LOL.. like damn (if you watch you'll understand what I'm talking about). Can't wait to watch the second one! Def worth the watch for any Arashi fan OH! and of course... the OST is a bop!!

Well damn… tears were def shed LOL this is a slow burner movie that isn’t too slow if that makes sense. I like the pace. The cinematography and OST were beautiful and I enjoyed the story. In a way a bit comforting. I watched the first half of this movie at work and I kept cheesing I had to stop cause my coworkers prob thought I was on crack… anyway second half I watched at home and honestly… good on me cause that’s when the waterworks were starting to erupt... Nino … I love everything you’re in. Like when you cry I cry kms... 10/10 great actor one of my favs fr never disappoints. I will agree tho with others about the editing. I didn’t really like how they cut to black at times to show time passed.. like it could’ve been done better, but other than that I enjoyed it and do recommend to watch. Prepare your tissues *cries*

Came across this film going through Shun Oguri’s filmography. I loved the OST a lot in this one. Def have to add some of these on Spotify. My fav parts of this film were the intro and ending. Overall a great watch. Not sure if anyone got this feeling, but the rebellion and delinquency reminds me a bit of blue spring. I can see myself rewatching this in the future. I will watch the second one in a bit. Really curious to see what comes next for this gang...

I rated this a little higher than the first, and that’s cause this was a great sequel, and loved the growth these crows had. In terms of aesthetics/vibes and comedy, I think the first one takes the cake, but in terms of story this one is definitely better since it wraps it up in a way that’s satisfying at least to me. In my opinion I liked the major fight scene better in this one. I can see myself rewatching this like I said with the first movie. I found myself smiling a lot more during this one and just rooting for everyone. And lastly, I’ll say the OST!! It really sets the tone for these movies, and it’s done so well. I have clearly found out that I really love the genre of delinquent Japanese movies and need to watch more... I NEEEDDD to find these movies on blu ray immediately.. idk I just need to own these masterpieces ..

Wow I clearly found a hidden gem… I like really loved this movie. The galaxy scene made me ?? Tear up??  idk the balance of music and the memories lowkey just kinda hit. I would def rewatch this. I think the way things come together is really well done, like the writing is great. It really makes you question everyone. Def need to see if this ost is on Spotify *cries* 

So this is Shun Oguri's directorial debut, and I honestly loved the way this was shot, especially that one water show scene and the opening escape scene. Also really like the way this is written. It made me laugh a lot, cringe, feel for these characters. I thought the pacing of the film was good too, and omg the OST! It's sooo good and really adds to the plot. One quick thing to add but... I had watched almost half this movie on one website .. just to realize that the audio was only mono and literally silent at parts.. (maybe it was a rip from a bootleg dvd or cause of copyright?) literally have no idea how I went that long before noticing .. but luckily I found it somewhere else and rewatched from the beginning so I could enjoy the OST to it's full potential. Oh and the shun and satoshi cameo LOL