Interesting movie!!
This movie emphasises how perspective can really change your outlook on life, and how the one's ordinary life can actually feel exciting just through a change in mindset. It makes me think about what actual makes us happy - is it our environment or mindset? The movie's ending was a little too underwhelming after the great buildup of suspense, and I was a little disappointed with it. But I think its part of the charm of the movie as it shows that not everything in life goes how we would want it to, but there is a special uniqueness in continuing our everyday monotonous life. This idea is quite sound and the execution made it very clear.The cinematography and shots were pleasant and unintruding, making it a slow-paced but pleasant watch. Like many other movies around this time, it is calming and the music is not too intruding.
I would someday rewatch this if I feel revising my mindset.
7/10 and I would recommend this for those who want a relaxed but slightly thought-provoking movie.
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One of the best dramas Ive ever watched!!!
from the start to finish I was so invested and while i was watching, i really dreaded finishing it as i wouldn't find anything as good as it. ironically this was one of the main takeaways from this drama, as it talked about ending and seasons in life. i think it did a really good job in embodying the fear of detachment and leaving - not a strong physical or psychological fear but more of an accepted fear, where you know what's going to happen and feel nostalgic even in the present.This drama overall was beautifully done, each episode really made me feel like I was there with the actors. The main leads are so charming in their own way and even hirosue's acting really made me feel the springtime and joy of youth.
The drama's themes were subtly implied and nuanced, rather than some slap in the face which slowly cast a contemplative mood on me as I watched. The emotions of how we can be really scared of a joyful phase in life ending, this drama really captures that feeling realistically and naturally. After watching this, I had to go outside and take a walk to contemplate on it.
loved it, i would definitely rewatch it
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a jut at beauty standards
While many people think this movie is a disaster I think it is a beautiful and cruel portrayal of beauty standards.many of the scenes were quite unexpected and i was shocked at the amount of sex scenes there were. i felt the overall shifting between the present (when everything is basically over and its just the investigators) and to the past (where all the events were happening) was quite poorly done.
The cinematography, colour and actual camera shots were very pleasing to the eye. the sets were elaborate and reflected lilico's character, red and yet messy like her state of mind. While some say the butterflies were just tacky and misplaced, I think it accurately reflects lilico's state of mind, as this is her movie after all. Her deteriorating sanity and pent up jealousy causes her to rage on others wildly, and yet we see some glimpse of her in a rational state. Meeting her sister, realizing the surgery is ruining her body allows us to feel sorry for her, yet detest her foul actions. Sawajiri's acting is extremely realistic and I suspect is due to her own personal experience drugs and the entertainment/modelling industry. she was often high on filming sets and this movie directly addressed the emotions she might have felt being thrown into this toxic environment from such a young age.
an unsettling aspect of the movie is how lilico's assistant and her boyfriend seem to obey her every move. some may say this is unrealistic but i believe it is just a representation of how one can be blinded from beauty, especially mentally. the assistant constantly says 'your beautiful' and feels pleasure from getting compliments from lilico, and this transforms into infatuation that eventually muddles her sanity to comply with her every move. This seemed to me as an hyperbole for how many girls will do anything just for beauty that is not even attainable, at the cost of themselves.
Changing oneself for the sake of beauty is a major idea in this movie, as she is completely modified except for her 'eyeballs nails and pussy'. Yet when the Kozue comes in, this beauty standard is shifted towards her. Lilico only thought she was beautiful because people liked her. when she lost the attention, she spiralled out of control and lost her 'power' over everyone. but in reality did her looks change? she was still the same person. this movie just starkly emphasises the impossibility of being forever 'beautiful' by societal standards, and how your own self opinion is the most important.
While this movie came out in 2013, I think it was definitely ahead of its time concering plastic surgery. one day people will wish to change themselves so deeply they lose sense of themselves, yet the cold world keeps turning and no one cares.
Overall there was a lot to think about after watching this movie. I would recommend this, but watch out for some nasty scenes that might take u by surprise.
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Enjoyable watch
I really liked this drama. The plot was very captivating and the direction was mostly clear and well paced.The family dynamic, the complicated past and the idea that family is not through blood only was well executed and interesting. It was hilarious at times and I thoroughly enjoyed the balance between witty teasing and Junzaburo's love at first sight with Natsumi. My favourite character was actually someone who only showed up here and there throughout the drama. He was so charming and funny even now I wish I could see his character again.
it was a fun watch, but not particularly lingering or life-changing.
I might watch it again. Would definitely recommend this for first time watchers as it will definitely leave a warm homely feeling with you.
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Nice drama
I had recently finished watching 'queen of lunchtime cuisine' which was one of my favs, so I was in the mood for another food related drama.The first few episodes were particularly engaging and the plot was progressing steadily albeit slightly predictable. But near the end I also thought it went a little out of control and off topic, though it quickly wrapped up in the end. The ending wasn't satisfying and was too vague for my liking. There was no clear direction on the main couples at the end, even while half of the episodes were going quite strong on the romance part. I don't get the point of having M x E while literally hinting at C x E at the same time. will she be a homewrecker?? i think this drama tried to achieve too many goals and ended up losing sight of their main direction. The two main themes are not well blended together and the romance side is stagnant or plain indecisive.
The drama was surprisingly not that food focused to my dismay. While there were pretty closeup shots of food, there wasn't much depiction of the actual preparing and cooking side of a restaurant.
I got pretty tired with Eisuke at the end as he was just plain annoying and felt so flat. on the other hand Taku was a delight to see, having such an upbeat personality and his friendly banter with all the other characters felt pretty authentic.
In fact Eisuke makes me so frustrated I might not be watching any of his dramas again for a while.
Acting overall was solid among the other characters but I felt Chie was stiff.
The songs kept repeating as well so that was quite boring at the end.
The first few episodes really had me invested in this drama and I would've thought it'd into one of my fav dramas but I guess I expected too much. Overall I recommend it, but I would not rewatch.
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nostalgic and realistic film !!
The movie is scattered with scenes depicting lowerclass taiwanese lifestyle, featuring sounds like the rubbish truck collection sounds that are very nostalgic and remind me of my childhood. I think it portrays long-standing traditions and superstitions of taiwan fairly well, although some elements are a little old (betel nutstand).In some parts, the arguing between characters was so realistic it made me as if I was in the scene and witnessing family drama on the spot. The backgrounds and accent was so familiar to me that it really hit home.
what i liked most is the vulnerability of characters and the realness of their situations, no sugarcoating what is the reality for so many people in taiwan. i-anns troubles and her decisions are are so valid. her decision to go to the reunion party just showed her vulnerability, the different sides to her personality, where all she wanted was to go to university (based on how she had such good grades). i think she wanted to see where she could've been, and her unfufilled dreams just shapes the way she acts today as well.
I was really invested in the story of SHufen's husband and really curious to know what he did that was so bad for htem to hate on him so much. But it wasnt really explained in the movie so i guess its up to imagination? The plot twist at the party was very interesting but i felt the ending was a little rushed. They couldve added a bit a few more scenes to make a slower transition to where the whole family becomes happy and united again.
The music was not noticeable, except at the start and end( kaleidscope)
this movie particularly made me feel a lot of pity for struggling families in taiwan that have to make a living on food stalls.
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