strawberryeuphoria

I wish I could escape like her

One Million Yen Girl feels like a poetic escape. It captures the longing we all experience at some point in our lives. The desire to leave everything behind, move far away, and restart our lives. We all have felt this way at least once when things get difficult, when it seems like nobody understands us and we don't belong in the place we've spent our whole lives. In those moments, it can feel like we have nothing left and that the old version of ourselves is long gone, leaving only the option to start over where nobody knows us.

Sometimes escaping is easier than facing our demons, and this movie encapsulates that struggle. When Suzuko moves away and embarks on her bold journey from one place to another, it feels like a victory. However, as time passes, it becomes evident how long and challenging that journey truly is. When difficulties arise, the first thought that comes to mind is often to run away. It's hard to deal with shame and difficult situations, and isolating oneself can feel like the easier option, but how long can one actually carry on like that?

That's precisely what the movie portrays. When she first moves to the coastal city, it seems like she has found a place to be happy. But when those around her start taking an interest in her and want to know more about her or when she moves to the mountains and they all expect her to be the "peach girl", Suzuko realizes that she cannot escape from herself. She can move to a new city and a new place, but the burden she carries is something she cannot leave behind.

For me, this movie was poetic and, in a way, felt like a small victory when she found love. Yet, like her, we were also deceived into thinking that was the ultimate solution, and maybe we were fooled twice.

One aspect of this movie I found very eye-opening is the reason behind her wanting to earn one million yen. Renting accommodation in Japan is a very pricey affair, with landlords demanding key money and other non-refundable fees, a deposit and sometimes several months' rent in advance. It's like the price of freedom is that one million yen-

I knew I would love this film from the first frame; the nostalgic feeling of blue and green tones along with the melancholic atmosphere in every shot spoke deeply to my soul. The backdrop of the Japanese countryside and coastal beach area feels so healing; it embodies the dream many of us have to move to a city far away and attempt to restart our lives.

I love the actress; she is so delicate and intriguing to watch. This is definitely one of those movies you don’t want to miss if you love Japan.

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This movie will make you crave dumplings

One of my favourite genres of movies is the ones based on a true story. In my opinion, there is so much to learn from those kinds of stories, and this is one of them. The story is based on the woman behind the creation of famous Wanchai Ferry dumplings.

The story follows her from when she first moved to Hong Kong to the birth of her empire is so inspiring and at the same time heartbreaking. How a mother of two children, abandoned by her husband for not giving birth to a son, was treated like a parasite, yet she never gave up and did everything to sustain herself, despite not even speaking Cantonese and having to go through so many difficulties to survive.

I would definitely say one part of the movie that struck me was when her empire started, and she had a chance of finding love with the officer. She did not take that chance. I think she made the wisest decision considering how her husband left her. She did not want to base her happiness on someone else, and she put that all in her business, which rewarded her by becoming the most famous all around the world.

Overall, the movie is great, although I must say the editing and the excessive computer usage for some of the areas took the cinematic feel from the movie. But again, I am not very familiar with Chinese movies, so maybe this is the usual style. But for me, some backgrounds did not look realistic, and you could see how heavily they were edited or green-screened. That’s the only negative thing I have to say about the movie.

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longest backstory in the history

I wouldn't score this movie higher than 6.5. It's not that it's bad, but I felt the backstory was excessively long. They could have cut much of it to allow more time for the tsunami and the subsequent rescue efforts.
The film runs for 2 hours, and the character's backstory takes up 1 hour and 20 minutes, which is far too long, especially since it has little relevance to the actual tsunami event. I think the structure was overly drawn out. However, I can understand why they might have made that choice; the cast features many iconic names, and perhaps they wanted to give them ample screen time. Unfortunately, this decision impacted the portrayal of the disaster, which should have been the main focus of the movie.

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4 ahjummas coming together to fight crime and save their apartment complex

This drama 's first episode had biggest hook I have ever seen; I was instantly hooked from the very first episode, and as I expected, it turned out to be a fantastic show.

Plot**
The story follows four undervalued housewives who, in the eyes of their families, are merely housewives. They come together to solve mysteries and apprehend criminals. Miri, who has a traumatic past involving a serial killer and the loss of her best friend, works hard to support her husband, who causes various issues. She possesses a keen ability to notice details and piece them together, much like Sherlock Holmes, to solve cases. Gyeong Ja, an ex-detective with impressive physical strength, left her job to let her husband excel and now embraces the role of a housewife. So Hui, a diligent delivery woman, is an endless source of information. Finally, Ji Hyeon, who owns a neighborhood supermarket, has exceptional negotiation skills and talent for acting.

Though they are different, they are united by a shared desire to address problems within their apartment complex. They start with minor issues, like improperly separated garbage, but often uncover more serious crimes in the process. If you enjoy dramas about middle-aged women joining forces with elements of crime and mystery, akin to Sherlock Holmes-style investigations, then this is definitely the drama for you. It is not only enjoyable and funny but also heartwarming. The best part is, they have conformed for a second season, and i knew they would because this was such hit. .

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The original version

I have been wanting to watch *Bad Genius* since it came out. From the trailer, I knew it would be great, and I was right. The story resonated with me as a straight-A student; I could really relate to the main female lead. I understood the unfairness of having to work hard for my achievements while wealthy kids seem to get everything handed to them. I must admit, I wish I had the cleverness to use my academic skills to make money like she did hahahahah . Beyond the humor, it's an excellent movie, and there are several remakes from other countries, including a Thai drama version. However, this is the original, and I highly recommend watching it before exploring any other adaptations.

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great movie

My brother was a really touching movie. As someone who has started watching Korean films not long ago, I was surprised to see a very young Kim Hae Sook. I’m used to seeing her as the grandmother in the shows I’ve watched, so it was quite remarkable to discover older films and see the actors in their younger days.

The story beautifully represents brotherly love, illustrating how, despite fighting, you will always love your siblings even if you aren’t speaking to them.
I anticipated the sad moments, thinking they wouldn’t affect me, but the actors delivered their performances so well that I found myself crying nonstop. Also, I want to mention Shin Ha Kyun, who plays such compelling characters. Each time he appeared on screen, I was brought to tears, he is so good with delivering emotions though screen.

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Cried a river and the ending left my jaw on the floor

When I first started this drama, I had no idea what the story was about. I was intrigued by the title and was completely taken by surprise by what unfolded. The story is both heartbreaking and empowering. Be prepared to have plenty of tissues on hand because this movie will make you cry every few minutes.

What struck me the most was that, despite receiving a terrible diagnosis and having only a few months to live, Futaba's main concern is her family and their future. She faces numerous challenges and goes beyond words to ensure they are prepared to live without her. I have always found it hard to understand how someone can be so selfless and love another person so deeply, putting them above oneself. Perhaps that’s what makes mothers incredible.

**Spoilers***

Another fascinating aspect is that all the characters represent different stages of Futaba's own life, and that's why she understands what they are going through. As a way to console her younger self, she attempts to give them what she never received herself.

Futaba was abandoned as a child, and her mother never came back for her, so she knows firsthand the pain of being left behind. When she married Sachino, whose wife left him with their daughter (Azumi), Futaba took Azumi in as her own and cared for her deeply, as if she were her own daughter. She never treated Azumi differently or let her or us suspect that she wasn’t her biological child; instead, she considered her as her own blood.

When the truth was revealed that Azumi was not her biological child, I was genuinely surprised by the depth of Futaba's love for her. Seeing how much she pushed Azumi to be strong and loved her, it was impossible to even imagine they are not blood-tied. At the same time, she empathized with Azumi's mother's situation, which is why she made sure Azumi learned sign language so they could communicate if Azumi ever wanted to reach out to her biological mother. This act of love deeply touched me and made me realize how much Futaba must have loved Azumi to endure the pain of letting her learn sign language for that possible future encounter.

Not only did Futaba give unwavering love to Azumi, but she also encouraged Azumi to be strong and stand tall against those who were abusing her. She helped her understand that when problems come, she should not hide but stand tall to face a difficult situation with confidence and dignity.

When Azumi's biological father left her and Azumi, she could have walked away since Azumi was not her biological child, but she chose to stay and endure immense pain. When she encountered her husband again and learned he had another child, she welcomed that child, who was also abandoned by her biological mother, into her home, offering her the same love and care she had given Azumi because she understood what it meant to be neglected.

Another story that struck me is when she met backpacker Takumi, who also experienced neglect and was a lost child. She recognized in him a hurt kid, and when she embraced him like a mother, she gave him something he likely never received. She offered him purpose and encouraged him to return to see her, giving him that sense of being wanted.

So each one of them goes through things Futaba herself experienced, and rather than let them be alone in pain, she tries to help them overcome those difficult feelings and guide them to overcome it all.

It is incredibly touching to witness Futaba’s unwavering effort to help everyone around her, even as she prepares them to live independently after her passing. It breaks my heart to know that she is helping them heal their traumas and become self-sufficient so that the transition is less painful when she is gone. This, too, is an expression of love that I could not comprehend.

Something remarkable about the story is how family can go beyond blood ties. Despite being the least connected person by blood to those around her, Futaba loves them more than many biological parents love their children. She is an example of how, truly, a mother’s love is beyond words.

This movie was profoundly moving and painful; I cried a river while watching it. Even now, reflecting on it brings tears to my eyes. It's probably one of the best pieces of screenwriting I’ve seen in a while, and it’s no wonder it received so much recognition.

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A cathartic experience

A Gentle Breeze in the Village is a cathartic movie. I had no idea what this movie was about and walked into it blindly, but the moment I started, all the pent-up emotional stress just exhaled from my body. It was like a spiritual experience I go through with these types of Japanese movies, where my whole nervous system gets reset.

Plot**
The story revolves around a small group of students in a tiny coastal village where there are only six students in the entire school, ranging from first grade to eighth grade. Everything changes when a new student from Tokyo, named Soyo, joins the eighth grade.

The movie itself is not overly dramatic. The main focus is on the students, their lives, and the little hurdles they face while growing up. The film is divided into small chapters, each centered around a specific time, such as summer, school trips, and New Year festivals. It beautifully portrays their growth, the changes they experience, their adventures in finding love, and rediscovering the world outside, including their affection for their home, all while evoking feelings of nostalgia and the slow passage of time.

The pacing of the movie strikes a perfect balance; it’s not too slow but also not too fast. It encourages viewers to sit back and enjoy the beauty of everyday life in Japan.
The cinematography was stunning, capturing that sense of nostalgia, and evoking that desire to escape to rural Japan to embrace this simple living. The visuals are stunning, with great attention to nature; the greens and blues of the landscape, and a spacious composition around the subjects that allows for an appreciation of the setting. The houses, roads, and buildings blend so harmoniously that at times they resemble a beautiful painting. The editing is also very realistic with no use of heavy filters, maintains strong realistic feel, making you feel as if you are truly in the village, experiencing the warmth of the sun.

Throughout the film, I found myself completely relaxed and fully immersed in the experience. It was a beautiful reminder to appreciate a slower pace of life, free from the distractions of the modern world. The scenes are peaceful, without anything overly stimulating. Even when certain scenes are set in Tokyo, the camera primarily focuses on the characters, minimizing the chaotic background of the bustling city. This contrast is particularly evident when Soyo first arrives in Tokyo and finds herself in a crowded station, surrounded by people moving at a frantic pace, like a swarm of bees. That was the moment when I truly noticed the how incredbly peaceful the pace of the movie been and the contrast between the two settings..

Overall, **A Gentle Breeze in the Village** is an exquisite piece of art. If you enjoy watching slice-of-life stories set in Japan and seek a soulful experience, this movie is definitely for you.

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Heartbreaking

I would discourage anyone from watching this drama because it is incredibly sad and heartbreaking. The entire storyline is quite depressing in a way. Looking at how much abuse Sachi went through is so heart-wrenching, and seeing how only her kidnapper shows her mercy and kindness is incredibly saddening. This is not a drama with any type of happy ending; it's thought-provoking, challenging, one of those dramas that you just don’t want to talk about because it’s a reality that most of us try to avoid confronting. It's so hard to watch; everything was heartbreaking, and seeing how adults failed her, and even knowing what she was going through, still did more harm. Once I finished this drama, I just felt empty; I was just there, I couldn’t process anything except keep sighing!

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Duality of love

Asako I & II is one of those movies that completely enchants you from the moment you start watching, pulling you back to reality only when the credits begin to roll.
Honestly, I find it difficult to categorize this story as either a love story with a happy ending or a tragedy from start to finish.

Spoilers ahead ***

The narrative centers around Asako, who meets Baku one day while she is out and about. Their encounter is unlike any other; Baku kisses her right away, setting off a dreamlike sequence of events. Baku feels like an alien creature; something you can't hold but desperately want to keep, like an exotic animal you long to hold in your hands, yet cannot.

When Baku disappears, Asako meets Ryohei and falls in love with him. Ryohei offers her stable love, the kind of love that is understanding, trusting, and genuine. Even though Asako realizes she may have fallen for Ryohei in part because he resembles Baku, Ryohei embraces this and sees it as a positive. He truly loves her for who she is and feels he is the right man for her.

However, when Baku returns and reenters her life, we witness how even the most perfect love can be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances. Despite the many years that have passed since Baku left, seeing him again brings Asako back to her former self, making her believe she has never really changed. In a whirlwind of events that feel like a fever dream, she follows Baku. But upon waking from this dreamlike state, she confronts the reality that Baku is not Ryohei, and ultimately, it is Ryohei who she truly needs and loves.

In a way, I could describe this as a beautiful love story centered on imperfect humans, or as a tragedy that was destined to unfold from the beginning.

Since this narrative was adapted from a book, I am now very curious to read it. In terms of acting, I found the main lead's performance captivating. He conveyed a wide range of emotions and layers, while Asako's character felt impenetrable and difficult to decode; I often felt unsure of what she truly felt. However, at the end, when I saw her running for Ryohei, I realized just how unique her character is.

Moreover, the movie features stunning visuals; the cinematography and the natural blend of colors and landscapes create a calming experience. It captures the essence of an ordinary day in Japan, leaving you eager to explore it further. Said this I strongly believe this is type of movie that some people will undestand it while other will miss it, so I hope you find thi.

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A different kind of toys

If you’ve explored the repertoire of Korean dramas and movies, you might not be too shocked by the content, as there was a time when they had a very open-minded approach to certain scenes. However, since Korean dramas gained worldwide popularity and attracted a larger audience, most shows have become family-friendly, which is quite appreciated. Given the conservative nature of Korean society, some themes can be extremely controversial and THIIS ONE was a shock for me!

I was truly surprised by this particular drama. When I first understood the drama was about adult toys and lingeries business, I anticipated that they would use some sort of funny stickers to cover the objects. But they didn’t hold back at all and I was genuinely shocked, considering how Korean netiizen are so conservative and these topics are undeniably controversial. However, I am so glad they with this theme, this is such a powerful and beuatiful drama.

The drama goes beyond merely depicting an adult toy seller; it creates a platform to highlight the dangers and inequalities that women encounter, especially in the job market and societal expectations for married women.
Overall, I found this drama to be delightful. I love stories about women coming together and becoming strong and independent. It’s fascinating to witness these journeys, and in this drama, it was refreshing to see how each woman faced her own struggles, even if their lives appeared to be better on the surface. Their beautiful friendship blossomed as they supported one another, fought their individual battles, and stood firm against societal pressures.


The only negative comment I have is that I wish the drama was a bit longer. I would have loved to see more about the women; I truly enjoyed the friendships they formed and the bonds they shared. It was both refreshing and inspiring.

Thsi has nothing to do with the drama but the main FL has the sharpest nose II have ever seen and i kept getting distracted by it ahhahaha

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Does blood relation make you actually a family?

Shoplifters is one of those movies that deserve a spot on every must-watch movie list; it's a great example of how Japan is the pioneer of cinematic storytelling. This movie took me through so many emotions and really defined the meaning of family.

The film addresses many societal issues, but it presents them in such a way that they exist in a grey area. It’s difficult to label the characters’ actions as entirely wrong, yet they can’t be deemed right either. For instance, when they decide to keep the little girl It’s saying it’s not a kidnapping if you don’t ask for a ransom. It’s similar logic to how Osamu justifies stealing to Shota, telling him it’s OK if it’s not someone else’s property and that items in a store don’t belong to anyone yet.

Though the characters in the movie are not blood-related and each one has their own backstory of hiding, lying, damaged and frightened, they create a warm, cozy family, making the best of things from day to day. The dynamic between them is so warm and beautiful that it makes you wonder if you could choose your family, could you actually be happy? Does blood relation make you actually a family? This is exactly the theme in this movie. As a viewers, we witness their crimes but also see the genuine love they share as a family, which makes it challenging to condemn them. Perhaps, this is what the movie wants us to notice: that sometimes certain things are very much a grey area and it is difficult to differentiate the right from wrong!

Also, the movie dives deep into a part of society we don’t see often: the marginalized community, the poor who don’t have enough money to even eat, yet they have still have so much warmth and love for each other.

"Shoplifter" is a delicate work painted with so many details, moments, smiles, and is deeply intelligent.In term of acting, the actors did a phenomenal job in portraying these characters, giving them so much depth in their humanistic storytelling, and I have strong admiration towards Sakura Ando; she delivered such a strong performance in this role, with so much depth and layers. This is one of those movies that you will never see and nobody would be able to recreate. The last few minutes of the movie still haunt me; it left me with a profound sense of loss as if I myself lost a family I found.

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