3
1
It really sucks you in!
This movie is such an inspiration to me. It causes so many types of painful feelings but never gets difficult to watch. I guess it's because we get emotionally attached to the characters and want to see more.A family of two, mother and daughter, were living a simple life, full of love for each other. When the mother realized she has a terminal illness with numbered days, she decided to make sure her daughter is not left alone. The overall story is actually very simple and predictable. There are some surprises here and there, but nothing to impact the story. It's mostly to add to what makes the characters who they are.
I can't really say much about the setting except it really sets the tone of the movie. From their small home to the bathhouse, to the surrounding streets, it gives you a richer experience of their daily lives. The scenery during their small trip wasn't there to impress, but it makes us feel the change of scenery they were experiencing.
When it comes to the characters, that is the bread and butter of the movie. First, Futaba, who seems to recognize all those missing love in their lives and is ready to fill that void. She doesn't try much. It's an instinct she has. And as much as she can show affection, she can also give some tough love. She isn't flawless, which makes her even more lovable. She has a lot of anger towards those who hurt her. In extreme situations, she can downright be violent (it's actually satisfying). Then there's Azumi, once very timid and meek, she pushes herself, time and again, to find the strength to move forward. She's really the sunshine of the movie. Then Ayuku comes along. Feeling estranged, she didn't want to let herself get attached but realized how connected she is to them. I loved seeing the development of the relationship, and the way she found her comfort throughout the movie.
When it comes to Kazuhiro, I just don't know what to think. Sleazy and irresponsible, I was ready to dislike him, yet I just couldn't. I have to admit it doesn't help that he's being played by Odagiri Jo (my bias), but there is more. I thought at first he may be plain selfish but that wasn't entirely true. He just doesn't know how to step up to the situation. The extreme circumstances forced him to learn quickly. I think the most redeeming quality of his is that he doesn't make excuses. He doesn't pretend to not be sleazy and doesn't have the courage to face her so he decides to go behind the scene. The roles of the other male characters in the movie were short but heartfelt.
The cast was great, but Miyazawa Rie and Sugisaki Hana were both spectacular, so natural in their characters.
Despite the emotional premise, it leans more towards a slice-of-life story. Rather than an emotional roller coaster, it felt more like a collection of heartfelt moments, yet doesn't get overwhelming, as we view how life goes on.
I highly recommend it.
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Good for it's trying to be
It's good for what it is, it was perfect for my mood during the last couple of months. A light comedy-detective show, with almost episodic cases. The 2 male leads had a lot of chemistry and I enjoyed their growing relationship throughout the drama. I enjoyed that Lu Yao was light-hearted as opposed to the typical mysterious oddball detective. As for the female lead, she did have her merits, and I find the actress performed her very well actually. It's just that her character remains flat, childish, and a bully who actually is very dependant on her dad despite denying it.Cases varied from fun to tragic to boring. Overall it was a nice and fast-paced watch.
I enjoyed the setting a lot. It felt more like a 1920 setting with people from this era. The decor used was nice and neat, makes you want to live there, or at least visit. The fashion in the drama is also a lot of fun. They did great on the execution of the opening and ending song and clip. It made you eager to watch more. The opening clip was particularly very vell executed in an artistic way, in my humble opinion.
Slight spoiler (but not really) ahead.
The romance in the drama was SO out of place. The actors just didn't have such chemistry, I felt nothing. Also, the characters were just too toxic to each other. In real life, they'd be the worst type of couple. He's manipulative and she's abusive. Both are very childish. On the other hand, the side romance was beautiful.
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The major flaw is having 20 something year old actors playing kids 7 to 10 year old. That... let's try to forget about it. Also Gou was definitely overstated in the events in the first, say 13-15 episodes of the drama, which is weird since, once adult, she didn't appear to me as not submissive to everything that happened to her. That is not to say that is a weakness of the drama.
This drama is about the hardships women of that era go through, their pain and suffering, and their inability to do much. They try the best they can but once war breaks, all they can do is pray for their loved ones. I think this drama succeeded in portraying that to me. The weird thing about it though, which made feel a bit uneven, is how the beginning has quite some whitewashing of certain historical figures and events, and how in the 2nd half of the drama, they were pretty much frank about the harshness of their realities. In general, this drama started succeeding in my eyes the moment it stopped taking liberties in history and started presenting us things are they are, as much as possible.
Ueno Juri was amazing in that role, and so was Osamu Mukai. One highlight is Miyazawa Rie as Chacha, the transformation of her character was marvelous. I was afraid Mizukawa Asami would ruin the drama for me but she didn't. I think as a character I liked her most, but the actress was a bit lacking in some emotional scenes. Still overall I think I can come to term with that actress. I think my favourite though was Kitaoji Kinya as Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was perfect in portraying such a cunning man, though at times hateful but overall a great leader. He managed to make me understand such a historical figure and why he did the things he did. I also loved Suzuki Honami as their mother, and her voice as the Narrator.
I gotta say, I love the choice of music used here in the drama. It's nothing too noticeable, just perfect in the background, either emphasizing on the feelings of the characters, or bringing us from one point to another.
As flawed as the drama is, it is still a splendid and enriching ride. Do give it a try if you are curious of the state of women in the warring are. The Azai sisters and their mother are the perfect example to represent the generation, but we see the hardship and strength to live of many of the women around them as well.
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Unlikely story but with lovely and consistent characters
A friend recently told me "it's not that most men are evil and bad, just that a lot of them somehow become incompetent when they get married"And while watching this drama, the dad's character Mu Jin reminded me of what my friend is saying. He can have the best intentions, but it has exhausted his family.
This drama is not your typical kdrama, hence it got quite a bit of hate from kdrama lovers that prefers a bit of melo and tragedy in their comedies as is usually expected of com-com kdramas. I really enjoyed every bit of it and am happy they didn't drag on to the usual 16 episodes length. It kep being light and fun throughout while approaching different family dynamics and its long term side effects on its members. My only critism would be that they managed to resolves all issues that usually would take years to unravle without truly diving enough. However, it would've lost its light touch if they did.
There's a lot of critism about the mom character Geum Ae Yeon but she was the one I was able to understand most. Did I condone all her actions? Certainly not! But her actions her consistent with her character. The daughter's character Mi Rae annoyed me numerous times throughout the drama but given her character history, it just made sense. At the end of the day it was a family that had love there, but did not do well in the communication department which caused the damages it did.
The ending was a good as things can get. It might not be to everyone's taste but made sense to me. The only thing preventing me from giving this rama a higher rating is how it all felt synthetic. I just feel like the ideas were there, the conversations reveal a meaningful going into the creation of the characters. It just could have dived a bit more for authenticity.
It's a flawed drama with flawed characters but overall but and worth the watch.
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This movie it a remake of a 1992 american movie of the same name, in a Japanese historical setting. I have not seen the original, but I've seen a couple of western style movies. This version felt closer to being a western than in did to being a historical Japanese story. The character and their actions felt more similar to that of a western story than Japanese. That in itself is neither good or bad, just an observation, and to set expectations right. The story itself is pretty predictable. One of the disadvantages of remaking an older movie, in my view, is that what felt new back then feels completely predictable and recycled today, even if it's a solid story. The same can be said about the music. It was just the usual, borderline boring, and nothing memorable
About the acting, I found it outstanding, from the whole cast, no exception. Even that girl playing a prostitute who's protective of her fellow girls, she only had a couple of lines but her looks were killer. They said so much. The male actors are most known, but as I said, all did great, from leading role to the smallest.
The setting itself felt like a fusion of a western town and a Japanese setting. I love the snowy setting, it felt like it connected so much with how the characters were feeling at that moment. And overall it was beautiful to look at.
Overall solid, though predictable story, with great performance which itself is worth checking out.
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This movie has a lot of pros, including the professionalism seen here, people actually dedicating their life and time to work. The relationship also proceed in a natural and realistic manner. I also loved the way they use the heroine's wardrobe, specially her shoes, to symbolize where Lala is in her career. She starts with plain semi-classic/casual clothes, and flat ballerina shoes, and with heels growing at every promotion. I do wonder sometimes, the things we see them wear at work wouldn't be permissible where I live, so is it alright in china, or is it just for the sake of appearing all glowy in the movie? In any case it was used to great effects.
I just felt that the movie was missing something, as if I was just watching people going on with their lives without really being invested or caring. It felt cold.
There is one thing that I felt removed the realism of the movie, which is that "company rule" that is obviously meant to be broken. It's just weird that they actually took it so seriously.
I have no complaint about the acting, all did a decent job.
The music didn't draw my attention in any way.
Overall decent movie, with intelligent characters, facing our everyday difficulties of life. Although I doubt it is that easy to quadruple your salary within a couple of years...
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The movie is pretty fast paced. The introduction of characters doesn't take long, and is straight forward, but shows enough charisma for us to care about them, and enough chemistry that you get taken by their feelings and brotherhood. It's my second time seeing Vicki Zhao, after Red Cliff. She's very different here. Her character here is solemn and serious. She isn't trying to impress anyone, or show off what girls can do. She starts off a fresh face, but we see her age and mature, her face worn out and exhausted. As for Kun Chen, it was my first time seeing him and boy was he swoon worthy! He had so much chemistry with Vicki Zhao that, they can be in a battlefield surrounded by people and blood, but you feel their intimacy and affection.
The story does require some suspension of disbelief though. It is just too hard to believe that all though of Vicki Zhao as a man. Not only her looks, but her voice too is very feminine. Overall I liked the direction, the cinematography, but some scenes were cut too abruptly when we wanted to see more of what is going on. The use of flashback and explaining to us what is going on was annoying. I was thinking "enough telling, more showing". So we didn't get much war strategy and different methods of fighting. The focus was the sentiment and the outcome. The music was appropriate, though not too varying.
If you are looking for a movie about humanity and the harshness war, a movie with strong leads, chemistry, and subtlety then this is the right movie for you. If you're looking for war strategies à la Redcliff and a more entertaining feeling, you may be (just a little bit) disappointed. If you are also looking for this great romance historical movie, this definitely is not it. I leave you with my favourite quote of the movie:
- There are no heroes on the battlefield, only dead men and crazy ones -
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I was actually more or less okay with gore because it wasn't that much, but it was very bloody, which doesn't bother me. What bothered me was the story. Honestly, I just didn't know what the movie was trying to tell me, or if it was trying to say anything, and I still don't. With that said, there is a lot to say about the gripping directing, keeping me all the way to the end while I knew early on that the story wasn't for me. Talking about directing, we need to mention the pacing, the colours used, and the music, coming together in perfect harmony with the world we are being led to.
The movie starts at a slow pace, and the pace gets picked up a little at a time, until the second half when things started happening at a much faster rate. We start in an apparent peaceful setting, where the danger starts creeping onto you without noticing. The colour used were pretty depressing, highlighting an apparent mundane life. That is until the bloody red colour starts taking over and making everything more lively, secret start getting revealed, and death everywhere. All this while listening to placed The Ballad of Mack the Knife. The lyrics were so the appropriate and the music so engrossing I felt I was being brainwashed. It really sets the tone of the scene.
Last but CERTAINLY not least, the acting. Of course the most prominent role here is that of Ito Hideaki. Lets just say I will NEVER be able to look at him the same way again. He had this detached feeling to him, no matter how nice he was and how much I wanted to trust him at the beginning. The way he's unflinched by anything at all was the scariest of all. Other then him, there were a number of adult actors but they weren't outstanding. The outstanding ones were the students. Each of them was distinguishable to say the least. Oh but I hated the white guy in the show. I don't maybe because his lines here so cheesy? Well he did look creepy but many times he felt out of place.
Do I recommend this movie? I'm still not sure, all I can say is, while watching it, the feeling of hopelessness kept growing more and more, that anyone can put an end to this hell.
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Whats more, there is the devil, or Akuma, who's job is the exact opposite. If akuma gets in the way of you accomplishing your job, you will be terminated.
I like that they set rules which they follow more or less, giving the story a logic of its own. I also like the showdown between Shinigami and Akuma, because I don't necessarily see them as good vs evil, but 2 people who believe in 2 very different things, and do their jobs according to their beliefs.
I wouldn't say that the acting surprised me here, but they knew where to cast each actor to best represent the character. I like the comedy and while the episodes were mostly predictable, we did get surprises here and there.
Although it isn't a high budget dorama (didn't look like it) I still like the decorations used, and the costumes would bring out the characters more as well.
Overall a constant enjoyable watch, I especially liked the last episode, where I wasn't sure how our shinigami would solve the issue and at what cost. I think it was a satisfying ending.
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However, the movie had many aspects that kept it from being outstanding in my view. First of all, I felt the movie had an identity crisis. It wouldn't settle for one and go through to the end. The first half was purely a scene investigation done brilliantly and, as a mystery junky, I was totally absorbed by it. During the end of the first half, it started leaning towards horror type which, though not my type, I understand that many mysteries use it to add more thrill. Then suddenly, just halfway through, all the secrets get revealed and nothing is left to be uncovered. It becomes a pure action movie. The problem here is, instead of incorporating the two genres in a complementary way, it felt that they just pasted together, without mixing it at all. At that point, all the character development and exploration get thrown out the window.
Another thing I cannot get over is the music here. Overall I mostly enjoyed how sound and music have been used here. That is except for one scene. It marked the beginning of the action sequence and starts with this guitar soundtrack. It only lasted seconds but it was a mood destroyer.
One last complaint is the death of one of the characters in the end. I wonder if I was supposed to laugh but that is what I did. I laughed at it though, not with it.
Again, despite my complaints, I was delighted to watch this movie. Well, my delight was mostly to watch Kaneshiro Takeshi but neither he nor Yen Donnie disappoints.
;)
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Unpopular opinion
Probably in the minority, but while a enjoyed a lot of aspects in the drama, romance isn’t one of them. I felt very uncomfortable with it so I don’t know if it’s an issue with me or the way the characters were. Basically while Kyoko and Shuji were decent people, I felt they were wrong for each other.Kyoko managed to lead the best life she could as a person with disability, and the drama is great at showcasing how little details can have a huge effect on people’s lives. The problem is she makes her disability the most central part of her while getting upset when others centralize that aspect for her, leading her to completely disregard others’ feelings. Shuji on the other hand is an impatient and judgemental person. There’s no second chances with him, and while that part of him gets developed a bit throughout the drama, he never actually opens up to anyone, not even Kyoko. Their combination is a recipe for disaster in my opinion. I’ve seen both actors in many dramas and both are great at building chemistry so I don’t know why that didn’t reach me in this drama.
I love the dynamic in Kyoko’s family, it’s perfect. Her brother Masao is cute and caring but he does overstep at one point. I was glad his parents stood up to him when around. He does it out of care but is immature.
It felt good watching something from the 2000s, the music was particularly great (my generation’s music:D) but the writing felt lacking overall.
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A story about Friendship? Not really, more of a story about a story about being bound by a secret.
When I finished watching this drama, I wasn't sure how to feel about it. I mean as a story and the way it was executed is excellent by all means. The characters were multidimensional and intriguing. What didn't sit well with me though was the ending. Not the actual ending, but how it was viewed? Like condoning what those 3 did?I find this story excellent at showcasing the wrong in being in a world where it's all about gossip and being afraid of the law alone without having a sense of values to believe in and follow. Basically, as long as I don't get caught, I'm free to do as I please. There is no owning up and taking responsibility. Because society's opinion is their God and true law. And that is what makes Maho and Satoko the worst type of "friends" you can have. What they had there wasn't friendship but a bind.
As for Yuri, it's a bit of the opposite. Very early on, her sensible little self took on the burden of someone else's pain and lived the rest of her life feeling guilt over something that had nothing to do with her. That guilt lead her to take each and every action she took later on in life. And no one seems to notice her pain, not her family, not even her so-called friends.
Other than the main trio, I also enjoyed the writer's character, and how she was doing her research instead of just depending on a biased point of view of the story. The detective was interesting as well, smart in some cases, and really stupid in other times.
Directing of the drama is great. The pacing is great. What surpasses it is how lighting and colour were used. Present-day colours were vibrant, while when we go back to the past, particularly to scenes with Yuri, it gets dimmed. It's a notable contrast that helps you both immediately know where we are in the timeline, as well as portray the characters' psyche at the moment.
In short: I never thought a story about 3 high school girls would have so many twists and turns that kept me intrigued till the last moment. Depressing but a good and solid drama.
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Ridiculous premise yet such a fun ride full of heart.
I started watching this drama for the premise and for the leading man Mamiya Shotaro who has earned my admiration since his role in Mr. Nietzsche in the Convenience Store. Not many actors can convince you at being serious in a ridiculous setting. The other actors that come to mind are Yamada Takayuki & Sato Jiro. That's why I don't think they could've picked a better choice than him for this role.Initially, I thought the premise was kind of ridiculous. But then I thought of the dilemma and identity crisis our hero goes through throughout the drama, and suddenly these thoughts become all too familiar to me. Especially during teenagehood and early adulthood. Didn't we all go through something similar during those years of searching for ourselves? Don't we sometimes show a different part of ourselves to different people? It is very true for me, having lived as a minority in a country where the majority are from a different background. The person I showed to the outside world was and still is a part of me, but polished to fit their liking. But I never showed that side to my family, who know my inner self more than myself. Then there are my close friends who are aware of both sides and treat me as a whole. Therefore I felt a particular Familiarity with Tsuyoshi's conflict.
Another point I found ridiculous in the setting is the Nanba family and their expectations. You'd think they'd be overjoyed that their son is thinking seriously about his future rather than chasing some pointless teen glory, yet they eat and breathe it daily. I thought maybe it's because it's the only thing the parents feel can be proud of since they raised their kids to be proud and not back down. The fact they provided a loving home for their children should've been more than enough (and they are such a loving family!)
As the episodes go on, Tsuyoshi makes as many friends as he made enemies and each friendship felt genuine. My favourite was episode 4 where he catches up with a previous middle school classmate. Despite all his sacrifice to attend the school of his choice, ironically not a lot of time was spent exploring his schoolmate, except for 3 of them (one an ex-gang member), however, his attachment to the place does grow on you. Many viewers complain about the love interest and, yes she does make a REALLY BAD impression on us early on, but it made sense for him to like her. And to not like the other girl in the club. It's because she's part of the package he wants, while the other girl would be too similar to the life he's leaving behind (though they'd make a strong powerhouse, especially for their duality haha). Anyways all this to say, even where at times things don't go where I prefer them to, it makes sense in the context of the drama, and in the character of Nanba Tsuyoshi.
Now to explore another department of this drama, acting and casting ranged from excellent to mediocre. As mentioned earlier, Mamiya Shotaro is what makes this drama work, this couldn't have been cast any better. most other characters were perfect for their role, to say the least. The one miscast in my opinion was Kamio Fuju. Don't get me wrong he is pretty and nice to look at, but the role and whole character felt awkward, and unnatural in the drama. Honestly, nothing about his character felt genuine as it did with say, Daimaru, Takeshi, Ichimatsu's boss in early episodes, or even that annoyed neighbour of theirs. But since I'm biased and enjoyed his looks I was okay with it :P
Music is rarely something I give much thought to while watching a show, unless, like it is here, it is an essential part of the show's identity. It just added to the fun of watching this drama.
Overall fun drama, I recommend it for a fun ride. Just, don't take it too seriously.
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Is it a detractor that the drama leaves you beyond wanting more of it?
Though the story itself felt complete as is.This drama has so much going for it. To get it out of the way, the acting was excellent as expected from the cast. I think it was my first time seeing Suda and Kamiki in a drama together but they did not disappoint, I love their scenes together. Taiga completed the trio with his endearing silliness. The female characters were all cast on point, the most noteworthy being Furukawa Kotone for the role of the kind soul Tsumugi. As for Arimura Kasumi, I wouldn't say she displayed many complications as Rihoko, but her characters speak to us all when it comes to our pride of being someone's fan. That part of her character was the most endearing.
Storywise, on the surface, it seems pretty simple, the characters feel a bit childish, and the sketches... aren't really funny (but on point). It never fails at being fun, but the more you watch, the deeper it digs into your heart. I love how this drama explores the theme of failure, how individuals reflect upon it, and how society treats it. Everyone is quick with the should have and shouldn't have, offering unsolicited advice, while completely ignoring the efforts put in despite the failure.
It lead me to think of how my life had gone so far, and how it is viewed by those around me. We are brought up with the belief that hard work entitles us to success, we become adults when we realize that is not necessarily the case. We become complete when we accept our past failures as a stepping stone for the next phase of our life.
When their teacher spoke to the trio about the next 10 years, it hit straight to my heart.
However, depending on what stage you are in life and what you experienced, each person's take on this drama might differ.
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What I loved most about this movie is exactly the same as what I loved about its prequels: the characters, the comedy, the weirdness, the direction and overall execution. I love Its weirdness it's really something I can only see japanese do well. In the movie they went a bit more extreme in the weirdness but at this point it's something you're familiar with and love so you'll welcome it with open arms.
I liked that we see more of the relationship between Touma and Sebumi. Their affection for each other is transparent between each other as it is for those around them. It's nothing romantic but still strong chemistry.
The endind did leave a lot unsolved. The little girl's role which I'm sure will be explored in the next movies, but also the fate of some characters (I don't want to believe in the worst happening).
Acting was excellent as always. I cannot imagine anyone other than Toda Erika and Kase Ryo playing Touma and Sebumi. Their interaction is so natural and their bickering and fighting is a joy to watch. Kamiki Just enjoys playing Ninomae as much as ever. Fukuda Saki is getting more comedic as Mirei (as she was in the special), Nonomura still seeming to be more as he appears but were not sure what it is yet.
To summarize this movie is still at the middle of the story and I'm finally ready to watch the 2013 movies :D
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