I think the point mistaken by a relatively significant portion of the audience is that (1) the time setting is present-day not early 2000s (original manga) or 2010s (movie) and (2) more emphasis of slice-of-life-ish style storytelling (even more than the movie).
Implication of the former is that some characters have to be altered. The most apparent one is Ayane, because obviously gyaru culture no longer fashionable in Japan these days, which makes a justification for nerfing her character. Although it works for me much of the time, the alteration doesn't go without a hitch though, which is obvious in a chain of events in episode 2 (as well as part of ep. 1). In the movie and manga, Ayane and Chizu are already somewhat 'outcasts' like Sawako - that's why they can get along rather quickly. The characterization of Ayane in this version doesn't really make sense of it - she looks way too fashionable and 'normal' here. I believe this is more of a matter of instruction from the director (and screenwriter) rather than the actor - I think Rinkuma performs well despite the character writing 'flaw' above, particularly in later episodes.
On the other hand, the different storytelling style results on slower tempo (of which they can afford due to the serial format) and almost complete elimination of the comical scenes (such as Sawako's inner monologues), of which the latter is a right choice at least for me. Even then, as pointed out multiple times in the comment section, it suffers from inconsistent pacing at the first 2-3 episodes, perhaps to make way for late- (near-graduation) and post-high school arcs. Nevertheless, the impressive camera works, production quality, the fact that they resolved the pacing issue afterward, on-screen chemistry among the cast, and much of the individual performances (although not all) make up for it. As if a cherry on top of a cake, the 'gamble' of adding the extra arc turns out to pay off and makes a great wrap-up.
What I really like is that secondary characters are given a lot of chances to shine and depth, especially compared to the movie version. To the point of some certain secondary characters actually outshine the two leads - particularly Sanada, Chizu (throughout the show), and Pin (in the last arc). Although the main leads' actors have impressed me multiple times in their previous projects, it seems that they fall a bit lower than what I expect for. Although I never rate the late Haruma that highly (no offense, he was never a technical virtuoso, not even close - let alone in 2011), I think he was surprisingly a better fit than Suzuka. Anybody playing Kazehaya requires more of a charisma rather than technical skills, and idk I just feel Suzuka tends to fall flat when he is called upon to do the former. He nailed the frustration in the middle arc though.
Conversely, Minami Sara feels rather underwhelming here, especially given her good track record. I have no problem regarding her appearance because the 'creepiness' of Sawako comes from her demeanor not her looks - it's the acting, especially in emotional scenes. Where's the emotionally-stirring expressions she has shown in her previous movies for example, "Shino Can't Say Her Name"? I know the comparison with Tabe in the 2011 itself is an uphill battle, but it's clear she could've done so much, much better here.
On the other hand, Sakurai Kaito is a perfect actor to play Sanada - he is convincing enough to be an athletic and resolute kid, and his back story is also very interesting. But the real surprise comes in the form of Nakamura Riho as Chizu. Prior to this project, I think she is by far the less-challenged actors among the main cast - perhaps I didn't see her enough or simply because her previous roles barely stray from being visually very attractive co-worker/classmate. Not in the project - this is far from what she usually does and she does it sublimely. Her Chizu looks as if it comes out straight of the manga version and her performance is heart-felt (the character depth also helps a lot too). Heck I'd gladly rate her portrayal higher than that in the movie version, she looks more convincing than Rembutsu (which was and is still a very good actress in her own right), given the factors above (and her height too). The other key characters also deserves shoutout, from Miura Shohei's Pin (I know it's his typical character he usually plays these days, but still) and Kurumi (I like her voice!).
Despite the shortcomings, it still has a lot of redeeming qualities, and being not boring is still a plus. 8/10 is a fair point.
The Maki and Yumeri sub-plot. ♥_♥ Really quite surprised at @onefive's acting in this drama, you wouldn't…
It's not secret all Amuse (FYI all ChamJam' actresses belong to this agency, not only onefive members) recruits were admitted as actors, tho of course there are a few bad apples from time to time especially in the past.
Very likely only after then these girls were assigned to the RL idol groups such as onefive or Sakura Gakuin, so they've all already got the acting basics.
Not quite a fan of idol maniac culture (I found it's kinda senselessly exploitative), but this one is fun and informative way (although it seems to exists in the universe where everything is shiny and light-hearted) to peek into the rabbit hole. You don't need to agree with everything the writer tries to convey to enjoy it. Really enjoy the sense of humor presented all along.
Where is the school film setting located? Due to the near mountains in the background, I assume it’s not Tokyo?
It's taken in Toyama prefecture, though similar to the original material, the story assumes to be set in a fictitious Hokkaido city (thus a lot of Hokkaido reference).
just dropped here to say she was amaaaazing in kimi ni todoke. I hope to see her as a lead!
The MVP of the show literally (even better than the leads). Can't believe she can act that well, perhaps either I haven't seen her enough previously or simply because her previous portfolio isn't as challenging as this one.
Finally got a chance to watch it in early April 2023 - got lucky since the screening period was *extended* due to its popularity.
It's nothing sort of amazing how the narratives can pack a lot of powerful yet subtle emotion across a time span of 2 days and 4 different story arcs happening in the same time. A bit like an omnibus but not like quite like it, because the characters in each arc are somewhat connected although not directly to each other. The title itself is spot on, where the young characters are right in the middle of transition of their lives - be it staying in their hometown or moving elsewhere upon graduation, or dealing with some *really* profound changes/events during their high school that affect it. The main twist, which only happens in one arc (which is unique, not gonna spoil it further), hits like a truck and make sense of what had shown on screen beforehand. Fantastic performances all around from the cast members, which are well-complemented by camera works and most importantly sound design (including the use of silent moments to accentuate actors' performance in certain scenes, especially at the very end).
One of the best coming-of-age shows produced by Japan in the last 5-8 years. Easy 9/10 for me.
She is stunning. Definitely a visual-type actress.
EDIT: After watching Netflix' Kimi ni Todoke and Oshibudo LA (and her bits in asadora Ranman), I'm convinced that she is an actress with decent acting IQ trapped in a super-visual appearance (which rather unfortunately work both ways to herself). She is DECEPTIVELY versatile.
2 
Implication of the former is that some characters have to be altered. The most apparent one is Ayane, because obviously gyaru culture no longer fashionable in Japan these days, which makes a justification for nerfing her character. Although it works for me much of the time, the alteration doesn't go without a hitch though, which is obvious in a chain of events in episode 2 (as well as part of ep. 1). In the movie and manga, Ayane and Chizu are already somewhat 'outcasts' like Sawako - that's why they can get along rather quickly. The characterization of Ayane in this version doesn't really make sense of it - she looks way too fashionable and 'normal' here. I believe this is more of a matter of instruction from the director (and screenwriter) rather than the actor - I think Rinkuma performs well despite the character writing 'flaw' above, particularly in later episodes.
On the other hand, the different storytelling style results on slower tempo (of which they can afford due to the serial format) and almost complete elimination of the comical scenes (such as Sawako's inner monologues), of which the latter is a right choice at least for me. Even then, as pointed out multiple times in the comment section, it suffers from inconsistent pacing at the first 2-3 episodes, perhaps to make way for late- (near-graduation) and post-high school arcs. Nevertheless, the impressive camera works, production quality, the fact that they resolved the pacing issue afterward, on-screen chemistry among the cast, and much of the individual performances (although not all) make up for it. As if a cherry on top of a cake, the 'gamble' of adding the extra arc turns out to pay off and makes a great wrap-up.
What I really like is that secondary characters are given a lot of chances to shine and depth, especially compared to the movie version. To the point of some certain secondary characters actually outshine the two leads - particularly Sanada, Chizu (throughout the show), and Pin (in the last arc). Although the main leads' actors have impressed me multiple times in their previous projects, it seems that they fall a bit lower than what I expect for. Although I never rate the late Haruma that highly (no offense, he was never a technical virtuoso, not even close - let alone in 2011), I think he was surprisingly a better fit than Suzuka. Anybody playing Kazehaya requires more of a charisma rather than technical skills, and idk I just feel Suzuka tends to fall flat when he is called upon to do the former. He nailed the frustration in the middle arc though.
Conversely, Minami Sara feels rather underwhelming here, especially given her good track record. I have no problem regarding her appearance because the 'creepiness' of Sawako comes from her demeanor not her looks - it's the acting, especially in emotional scenes. Where's the emotionally-stirring expressions she has shown in her previous movies for example, "Shino Can't Say Her Name"? I know the comparison with Tabe in the 2011 itself is an uphill battle, but it's clear she could've done so much, much better here.
On the other hand, Sakurai Kaito is a perfect actor to play Sanada - he is convincing enough to be an athletic and resolute kid, and his back story is also very interesting. But the real surprise comes in the form of Nakamura Riho as Chizu. Prior to this project, I think she is by far the less-challenged actors among the main cast - perhaps I didn't see her enough or simply because her previous roles barely stray from being visually very attractive co-worker/classmate. Not in the project - this is far from what she usually does and she does it sublimely. Her Chizu looks as if it comes out straight of the manga version and her performance is heart-felt (the character depth also helps a lot too). Heck I'd gladly rate her portrayal higher than that in the movie version, she looks more convincing than Rembutsu (which was and is still a very good actress in her own right), given the factors above (and her height too). The other key characters also deserves shoutout, from Miura Shohei's Pin (I know it's his typical character he usually plays these days, but still) and Kurumi (I like her voice!).
Despite the shortcomings, it still has a lot of redeeming qualities, and being not boring is still a plus. 8/10 is a fair point.
Very likely only after then these girls were assigned to the RL idol groups such as onefive or Sakura Gakuin, so they've all already got the acting basics.
It's nothing sort of amazing how the narratives can pack a lot of powerful yet subtle emotion across a time span of 2 days and 4 different story arcs happening in the same time. A bit like an omnibus but not like quite like it, because the characters in each arc are somewhat connected although not directly to each other. The title itself is spot on, where the young characters are right in the middle of transition of their lives - be it staying in their hometown or moving elsewhere upon graduation, or dealing with some *really* profound changes/events during their high school that affect it. The main twist, which only happens in one arc (which is unique, not gonna spoil it further), hits like a truck and make sense of what had shown on screen beforehand. Fantastic performances all around from the cast members, which are well-complemented by camera works and most importantly sound design (including the use of silent moments to accentuate actors' performance in certain scenes, especially at the very end).
One of the best coming-of-age shows produced by Japan in the last 5-8 years. Easy 9/10 for me.
EDIT: After watching Netflix' Kimi ni Todoke and Oshibudo LA (and her bits in asadora Ranman), I'm convinced that she is an actress with decent acting IQ trapped in a super-visual appearance (which rather unfortunately work both ways to herself). She is DECEPTIVELY versatile.