This review may contain spoilers
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.
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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