I first watched this movie 9 or 8 years ago and I remember it had me so confused and weirded out, probably because…
I like to think there are some metaphors or symbolism to the piggyback scene at the end. My english is not good enough to put it into words but it felt like it was about how they have to lean on each other from now on and it can be exhausting for both of them. And them holding hands walking on that big field in the last scene meaning they will always have each other but also are all alone (like a them vs. the world situation). I didn’t get the ending at first, but now I watched it again and thought about it, that’s the ending, that they have decided to be together no matter what. Now others may read my comment and say “Girl it’s not that deep” but I like to think it’s like that because there couldn’t be a better ending than that.
Now, let’s talk about the supporting characters lol. Twisted Yori really attracted twisted people, didn’t he? That Tomoka girl is not ordinary. And Yano definitely isn’t either. But a very interesting character indeed. That last scene of him (the pic on his phone) was really a twist. And I have many questions about him. Was he gay or bisexual? Was he in love with both Yori and Iku or only Yori? That otter keychain he bought was a gift for Iku or himself (as a couple keychain with the one he bought for Yori)? Was him confessing his love for Iku really because he liked Iku or he wanted to help Yori forget or confront his feelings? I think I’m more leaning toward the possibility of him being gay and in love with Yori, but the other is still possible. Anyway, the movie left some doors opened and some questions unanswered, I’m not complaining though, ambiguities make the movie fascinating to think about.
I first watched this movie 9 or 8 years ago and I remember it had me so confused and weirded out, probably because I didn’t read the synopsis and was expecting a shoujo type of romance and boy I was wrong.
I decided to watch it again today for the second time because I found the HD version and thought “well, why not?” And it really made me realize how different my mind has changed from 9 years ago. I actually really liked it. Aside from the taboo theme, I see people complaining about it being too slow or the music is too forgettable. Yes, it’s very slow and quiet, there’s hardly any music, and I think it’s like that for a reason. Slow and quiet but not peaceful, instead it’s quite dark and very suffocating. Even so it still has its own sweet moments that I couldn’t help but smiling while watching.
Also I really like the camera work and cinematography, and I don’t mean it’s a masterpiece or anything, it just felt like it was really well thought out for most of the scenes. There’s a really classic vibe to it (well maybe because it’s already 12 years old).
I have more to say but i think i should put the rest in spoiler.
The movie itself was good. But honestly the acting was a bit... meh, especially Mayu. They even tried to cover up her bad acting by using her hair to cover her face or shooting a lot of her speaking scenes from afar. I'm not even joking. She had very few dialogues and she did well when she was not talking. The best acting performance in this movie was Kazuki, hands down. The rest was just alright.
I know there were some controversial parts in the story. I've watched the other 2 versions and various dramas from this screenwriter, so let's just say I'm not gonna go all SJW on the story and the characters, if you've also watched them you know the drill lol. And as usual all characters have layers which will be slowly revealed throughout the movie, pretty facade but ugly inside, well not just ugly but they were all filled with darkness and loneliness. I didn't dislike anyone in it and the character I liked the most was probably Mayu, even though I'm not a fan of her acting here. If only she her acting was a bit better, I could see the myself falling in love with her too if I met her in person.
Maybe because it was a movie, the last 1/3 of it felt a bit rushed and left me cold watching the ending, it did not reach me at all. Anyways, it still had some good and cute moments namely the night pool scene and the scene they where went shopping together. Recommended if you're interested in the Kou Kou Kyoushi series. 7.5/10.
I can't find engsubs or the raws of this drama but there's a team that's subbing it in my native language (which is vietnamese). I still hope someone will sub it in english though.
this is one of those dramas depicting issues that you wish it doesn't happen anymore, really, to think it's been 20 years and if society hasn't changed from that... that’s too sad.
I've finished the drama, now I'm kinda depressed but definitely not disappointed. I was emotionally attached to some of the characters although I admit I did find some of the actors a bit over-acted, but it wasn't too annoying. I didn't think the teacher (Momo-sensei) was boring at all, but not interesting either. To me it was more like she represented the audiences - us, how she viewed things, the frustrations she felt and what she wanted do to after witness the situations the kids were under. She had me rooting for her.
The drama had some characters that it could delve more into (such as Towa's family, the Manager's son and could use a bit more depth for Momo), there were many doors left opened for them. But it focused on so many characters already and only had so much space and time so I could understand why they decided not to say more about the others.
There was this one thing that bugged me though, I found it a bit unbelievable that Towa's dad suddenly became very approving of Towa and supported him in the last episode. For the whole drama, he had been really mean and harsh to Towa. it almost felt like the two had mended and bonded in some missing episode that I didn't get to watch.
This is the 13th Nojima Shinji's drama I've watched and I'm starting to see a lot of patterns lol I'm not complaining though, it's really interesting to see most of them share things in common.
This was written by Matsuda Saya, not Nojima Shinji. Matsuda Saya is the only name listed under “screenwriter” on this drama’s official site. According to Japanese Wikipedia, Nojima Shinji was just a screenwriting supervisor for this drama (and well, he wrote the lyrics for the theme song).
Sorry, I know this might be irrelevant but it’s a very important info for me. I’m on a Nojima Shinji’s dramas binge, just finished Ep1 of this one and I felt like something was really off so I had to double checked it and yeah... still gonna watch this though it seems interesting.
just had a rewatch after a very long time and it was just as good as the first time, probably even better, it…
The twist about Eiji was not Shizuku's real father, oh god, what a twist. The moment when the truth was revealed through the video tape, it was so, so well done, so subtle yet so shocking. Takeuchi Yuko's brilliant acting in that specific part just added more to the audience's shock. It really, literally took my breath away.
just had a rewatch after a very long time and it was just as good as the first time, probably even better, it really hasn't aged much even though it's more than 10 years old.
I’ve watched the first 4 eps and honestly so far it has been really... weak. I really wanted it to be good though. But let’s see how it’s gonna develop.
Also I can't believe that the theme song of this drama was sung by Sung Sikyung. Like are you kidding me? THE Sung Sikyung??? I'm telling you, the simulation is glitching.
oh wow. Just WOW. that was so gooOoOod. No, it was brilliant. This drama, I laughed and I cried. It hurt me and filled my heart with joy, just like that "Gap" between gain and loss that they talked about. It's been a while since I have this much of emotions over a drama. And man, this one really DID it. As expected of Nojima Shinji (the screenwriter), so freaking artistic (literally), complex and full of... flowers lol This probably has some of the purest characters I've seen from him, and they're just beautiful.
And also, it was so amazingly shot! Had me in awe most of the time, everything looked stunning. The vibrant colors really enhance the beauty of flowers and greenery. It felt like a fairy tale at times. Truly a gem. Totally loved it. 9.5/10 (Might change my mind a give it a 10 after a rewatch)
which ones would you recommend the most?? So far I have watched KKK93 & KKK03 and Papakatsu. Rn I'm starting Lipstick.
Don’t worry. I don’t mind. I’ve been waiting for someone to talk about his dramas, that’s why i keep dropping comments on every drama of his that i’ve watched haha.
Well I watched KKK93 first, and i was so impressed by it. Maybe that’s why i like it a bit more than the 03 one. But I see your point. Both are good and i’m glad he gave it a sequel and closure to some ‘matter’ he left opened in the 93 one.
And I agree that the romance in Papakatsu was a bit unbelievable. I think it was because they lacked chemistry (both of them were hot but well...) though they still had their own cute moments and those moments are probably what i’ll remember from that drama. I thought it was platonic as well lmao but tbh i’d be disappointed if it really turned out like that. Overall it’s not bad, but not one of the best works from him.
Now, let’s talk about the supporting characters lol. Twisted Yori really attracted twisted people, didn’t he? That Tomoka girl is not ordinary. And Yano definitely isn’t either. But a very interesting character indeed. That last scene of him (the pic on his phone) was really a twist. And I have many questions about him. Was he gay or bisexual? Was he in love with both Yori and Iku or only Yori? That otter keychain he bought was a gift for Iku or himself (as a couple keychain with the one he bought for Yori)? Was him confessing his love for Iku really because he liked Iku or he wanted to help Yori forget or confront his feelings? I think I’m more leaning toward the possibility of him being gay and in love with Yori, but the other is still possible. Anyway, the movie left some doors opened and some questions unanswered, I’m not complaining though, ambiguities make the movie fascinating to think about.
I decided to watch it again today for the second time because I found the HD version and thought “well, why not?” And it really made me realize how different my mind has changed from 9 years ago. I actually really liked it. Aside from the taboo theme, I see people complaining about it being too slow or the music is too forgettable. Yes, it’s very slow and quiet, there’s hardly any music, and I think it’s like that for a reason. Slow and quiet but not peaceful, instead it’s quite dark and very suffocating. Even so it still has its own sweet moments that I couldn’t help but smiling while watching.
Also I really like the camera work and cinematography, and I don’t mean it’s a masterpiece or anything, it just felt like it was really well thought out for most of the scenes. There’s a really classic vibe to it (well maybe because it’s already 12 years old).
I have more to say but i think i should put the rest in spoiler.
I know there were some controversial parts in the story. I've watched the other 2 versions and various dramas from this screenwriter, so let's just say I'm not gonna go all SJW on the story and the characters, if you've also watched them you know the drill lol. And as usual all characters have layers which will be slowly revealed throughout the movie, pretty facade but ugly inside, well not just ugly but they were all filled with darkness and loneliness. I didn't dislike anyone in it and the character I liked the most was probably Mayu, even though I'm not a fan of her acting here. If only she her acting was a bit better, I could see the myself falling in love with her too if I met her in person.
Maybe because it was a movie, the last 1/3 of it felt a bit rushed and left me cold watching the ending, it did not reach me at all. Anyways, it still had some good and cute moments namely the night pool scene and the scene they where went shopping together. Recommended if you're interested in the Kou Kou Kyoushi series. 7.5/10.
I've finished the drama, now I'm kinda depressed but definitely not disappointed. I was emotionally attached to some of the characters although I admit I did find some of the actors a bit over-acted, but it wasn't too annoying. I didn't think the teacher (Momo-sensei) was boring at all, but not interesting either. To me it was more like she represented the audiences - us, how she viewed things, the frustrations she felt and what she wanted do to after witness the situations the kids were under. She had me rooting for her.
The drama had some characters that it could delve more into (such as Towa's family, the Manager's son and could use a bit more depth for Momo), there were many doors left opened for them. But it focused on so many characters already and only had so much space and time so I could understand why they decided not to say more about the others.
There was this one thing that bugged me though, I found it a bit unbelievable that Towa's dad suddenly became very approving of Towa and supported him in the last episode. For the whole drama, he had been really mean and harsh to Towa. it almost felt like the two had mended and bonded in some missing episode that I didn't get to watch.
This is the 13th Nojima Shinji's drama I've watched and I'm starting to see a lot of patterns lol I'm not complaining though, it's really interesting to see most of them share things in common.
Sorry, I know this might be irrelevant but it’s a very important info for me. I’m on a Nojima Shinji’s dramas binge, just finished Ep1 of this one and I felt like something was really off so I had to double checked it and yeah... still gonna watch this though it seems interesting.
Also I can't believe that the theme song of this drama was sung by Sung Sikyung. Like are you kidding me? THE Sung Sikyung??? I'm telling you, the simulation is glitching.
And also, it was so amazingly shot! Had me in awe most of the time, everything looked stunning. The vibrant colors really enhance the beauty of flowers and greenery. It felt like a fairy tale at times. Truly a gem. Totally loved it. 9.5/10 (Might change my mind a give it a 10 after a rewatch)
Well I watched KKK93 first, and i was so impressed by it. Maybe that’s why i like it a bit more than the 03 one. But I see your point. Both are good and i’m glad he gave it a sequel and closure to some ‘matter’ he left opened in the 93 one.
And I agree that the romance in Papakatsu was a bit unbelievable. I think it was because they lacked chemistry (both of them were hot but well...) though they still had their own cute moments and those moments are probably what i’ll remember from that drama. I thought it was platonic as well lmao but tbh i’d be disappointed if it really turned out like that. Overall it’s not bad, but not one of the best works from him.