Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Living with Two Words - Simple (yet) Profound
The moment I read the plot I knew I would need to brace myself and have a box of tissues handy.We grow up with Dai and see the different seasons in his life. I love that we also get a glimpse in how Japan develops. From Dai's mother not getting a proper early education "because we thought she'd grow out of it and learn to hear", to Dai joining a community circle where he gets to develop his own identity through sign language. In some ways a simple slice of life film, but being based on a true story makes the film feel profound.
I really love these kinds of Japanese films because they are able to convey such strong and powerful emotions. Dai's realisation (and even guilt) balanced with his mother's unwavering love and his parent's wholehearted support. This is something we can all empathise with.
I think the casting was excellent- particularly Oshidari Akiko and the child actors. I'm curious to know Yoshizawa Ryo's process in learning Japanese sign language. I read that the deaf community commended him on his skills.
There seems to be more and more content in Japan about hearing and non-hearing inter relationships. It's great to see broader representation in mainstream media!
The rewatch value is low because I'm not sure I'm wanting to weep again ahaha
Was this review helpful to you?
Tickled Happy!
This isn't a cinematic masterpiece.Nor is it complicated or intricate in anyway.
However...this is EXACTLY the kind of video we all needed during these unprecedented times.
Rather than recreating the original film, this spin off was short&sweet, heartwarming and sure to put a smile on anyone's face (regardless of if you were a fan of the original or not!)
The closing credits were a lovely bonus too.
It creates a sense of closeness during times when we are feeling distanced.
I come back to watch this whenever I want a little chuckle. And it never fails to make me feel more positive.
Was this review helpful to you?
There are three stories that are interconnected, and you could say they also vary on emotional intensity; like you would expect from love stories in real life. Personally, I found one of the stories to be lacking, and was wondering why it was put in the same film as the other two when I perceived it to be "less than" the others. However, upon spending more time thinking about the film after I finished watching, I realised this story also plays a crucial role in showing us not only that we each experience different love and maybe heartaches, but also we each perceive love differently. So I think each of the three stories has something important to offer.
The film is shot beautifully. I've gotten really used to watching the cheesy Filipino romance films which tend to focus on bright colours and bright lights, but this film captures the beauty in darker scenes (there are a lot of night scenes), and uses colours very well to represent emotional highs and lows.
The music matched the mood(s) well, the acting/cast was good but nothing mind-blowing. Solid performances that you can appreciate.
They did well at creating real to life-esque feelings. I especially enjoyed the scenes of Jackie and Kath just talking to each other; they felt genuine.
My rewatch value is low only because I don't particularly enjoy feeling sad and so while cinematically this was better made, I would probably choose to re-watch a cheesy romcom any day because it's lighter and easier to digest.
Overall, I would say I would recommend this film to most people; it's a good plot with solid acting and nice music. Happy viewing!
Was this review helpful to you?
Being a drama from before the turn of the century, it might be difficult to find online; but as a child I remember watching and rewatching this drama countless times.
In hindsight, this is such a star-studded drama and it is really amazing to see that even when they were younger, these now superstar actors had good, solid acting abilities. I always felt bad for Nakama Yukie because she plays her character so well that she really starts to annoy you.
I think what really makes this drama so enjoyable, and the rewatch value so high, is the fact that Shunpei (Domoto Koichi) and Momoko (Seto Asaka) are in a super relatable point of their lives. We see Shunpei go through a lot of emotional changes and growth which we too would experience at that age, and Momoko's forward and speaks-her-mind type character is so interesting balanced with Shunpei who is awkward, a push-over and struggling to share his true feelings.
The side characters and stories also are good, and bring a lot of balance to Shunpei and Momoko's turbulent relationship.
Was this review helpful to you?
While I was thoroughly confused the first time I watched it, "Cha no Aji" is one of those movies where the more you watch it, the more you understand the deeper meanings behind it; the fact that its not a "weird film" but actually something quite beautiful.
I think it is probably because the first time through, it takes a long time for you to process everything that happens.
So I ask all of you that didn't like it the first time, give it another go! You'll pick up on points you missed the first time, and hopefully you'll understand the true meaning behind all the weirdness.
If you still aren't feeling it, just watch it for Grandpa's songs. Seriously.
While I have rated this 8.5 on my personal page, that was off the first watch.
If I were to re-rate it now (after having seen it a total of 4 times), I would give it a solid 10.
If I were to pick my most favourite film that I watched in 2014, "Cha no Aji" would be the definite winner.
Happy viewing!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
