strawberryeuphoria

Not watching this a second time ! Trauma !!

This movie is just another JTrauma, and recently, Korea dropped its remake, However, if you're looking for a viewing experience that will profoundly traumatize you, I highly recommend the original Japanese version. I won’t give away any plot details, but I must emphasize just how powerful and moving this adaptation is. It’s a cinematic experience that left me deeply affected, so much so that I don’t think I could ever bring myself to watch it again. Although it’s an incredible and emotionally charged, it’s one that lingers long after the credits roll. You should definitely watch it, though, because it’s truly a beautiful piece of art that deserves to be seen.

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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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Another JTrauma

There is a specific category of Japanese anime and movies that are called Jtrauma, because of how traumatic they are. They often have really touching relationships and romantic love stories that make you giggle and blush, and then when you least expect it, they are going to hit you with one of the characters dying. It's gonna come in such an unexpected way that it’s gonna hurt like a punch in the stomach. And this movie belongs right to that category.

So this is my warning in case you don't want to cry, but if you are crazy just like many of us, this was a great movie. The story is so sad but a great experience. Dayum, I thought I got used to these Jtrauma after watching so many movies like this, but it seems like I still have not built enough tolerance 'cause I was sobbing the whole time.

Another aspect I enjoyed was the cinematography and the use of light. The contrast between the couple and the world outside was fascinating. The room seemed much darker, almost foreshadowing the tragic ending, while the light coming from outside was soft, bright, and full of hope. This contrast intensified the emotional impact of the story. I did find it a bit annoying how high the brightness was compared to the darkness, as I had to constantly adjust the brightness on my screen. Still, it was a clever choice to emphasize the difference between life and death.

Definetly a great movie and worth watching.

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who is the real you?

I don’t think I can truly find the right words to explain what this movie is about, but what I can say is that it was absolutely amazing! I have a deep admiration for Sakura Ando and appreciate the projects she chooses; she is such an interesting actress with a remarkable range in her performances.

This movie explores themes we don’t often discuss: identities. One's identity is the most important part of who we are, yet for most of us, it can become something we want to reject in order to be someone else. When we do that, who is the real you? This film not only addresses identities but also examines how society can persecute individuals based on who they are.

The movie also highlights a phenomenon known as "evaporation," which refers to how tens of thousands of people in Japan voluntarily disappear from their established lives each year without a trace. Driven by overwhelming social pressure, shame, debt, or failed relationships, these individuals abandon their families, jobs, and identities to live anonymously, often aided by a specialized industry of "night movers" and this pretty much what Mr X used ( fake Daisuke).

How much can societal labels affect you? I think we all understand that feeling when the world sees you as someone you are not and stamp on you label or an identity. This is illustrated through the character Daisuke Taniguchi, who, as the son of a convicted murderer, changes his identity to start anew after being defined by his father’s actions. We also see Akira, who was born and raised in Japan and speaks only Japanese, he is constantly belittled due to his Korean heritage and feels like an outsider. Similarly, Yuto struggles with his identity after his mother changes her surname following her divorce and remarriage, resulting in confusion about who he really is.

The film delves into the complexities of identity, often showing that people do not truly know one another. For example, Rie, who was married to a false Daisuke, wanted to uncover the identity of the man she thought she knew. Ultimately, she realized that she didn’t need to know the “truth”; Daisuke’s name became irrelevant because he was the person she knew at that time. This emphasizes that we can only truly know each other through interpersonal connections. A person can embody many identities at once or change quickly, and none of those identities are any less “real” than another.

This is just a beautifully crafted movie, and I can’t fully convey all its elements in this review. It is filled with depth, thought-provoking questions, and insightful answers. The story is powerful and made me reflect on my own identity. I highly recommend this film as a masterpiece of Japanese cinematography, and I hope it reaches the right audience to appreciate the gem it truly is.
One’s identity is a vital aspect of who we are; however, for some, it can define them in a way that makes them yearn to reject it and become someone else. If or when this transformation occurs, who is the real you?

My only complaint is that I wish Sakura Ando had more screen time. She is an extraordinary actress, and her expressiveness makes her performances uniquely talented.

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Most unexpected plot twist ever !

Last winter, we parted is a thriller that had the most unexpected plot twist ever! Usually, in movies, you can pick up on certain signs or details that hint at upcoming events, but this movie completely took my breath away;I didn’t see that twist coming at all!
I love Japanese thriller because they are dark and often explore the craziest situations ever. The characters in these movies tend to be incredibly complex, twisted, and deep, and this particular film was just perfect example.
One aspect I really appreciated was how the cinematography matched the story seamlessly. The use of cold tones perfectly complemented the macabre feeling conveyed by the plot, and the cinematography significantly elevated the entire movie.

I highly recommend that you watch this movie without reading any plot summaries or watching trailers. It’s truly an amazing experience, and I believe that approaching it blindly will enhance your enjoyment even more.

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My heart still cry for those kids

I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a movie that has left such a lingering impact on me as this one did. Even though I watched it several years ago, the haunting images and emotions linger in my mind, and every few weeks, those children resurface in my thoughts.

I vividly recall the wave of sickness that washed over me as the credits rolled. The unsettling atmosphere lingered long after the film ended, and when I uncovered the true story that inspired the movie, it felt even more heart-wrenching than the fiction portrayed on screen. I found myself in tears, overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation, and I spent countless hours scouring the internet for articles, desperately searching for any information that might offer some reassurance about the well-being of those kids. My curiosity even led me to dig Google Japan for updates, as the story seemed to sink deeper into my soul, leaving me flat-out devastated.

This narrative is incredibly difficult to absorb, yet I firmly believe it’s one of those films that everyone needs to experience, no matter how challenging it may be, in order to bring understanding and awareness of the harsh realities it depicts. Just the thought of this film brings tears to my eyes, the entire time I was watching, I wished I could leap through the screen, wrap my arms around those children, and save them from their tragic fate.

I genuinely don’t think a simple box of tissues would be enough while watching this story; it’s the kind of experience that scars itself into your memory, casting a shadow that lingers long after the viewing. It will forever occupy a space in my mind, and I suspect it will do the same for anyone brave enough to watch it

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Someone need to call the police

There are so many things wrong with this movie, and I don't care how much they tried to make it romantic; it was just sickening! The entire relationship and everything about it was completely off, and I don't understand the obsession with these kinds of topics.

The movie is an adaptation of a book, and the film adaptation is just straight up wrong. It is straight-up grooming her. Also the plot was messy, and all the flashbacks did not blend well. I also don’t understand this strange idea of turning it into a female fantasy when she was just a victim. I absolutely do not like this movie, the topic, or how everything is portrayed. It points to very wrong ideas, and even though I love the actors, this was a definite no for me.

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Echoes of loneliness

There is a distinctive branch of Japanese cinema that is crafted for a specific audience; these are stories you don't often hear. They tend to be controversial, sad, and hard to digest, delving into deep human emotions and leaving your heart heavy with a sense of understanding and melancholy.

"52 Hertz Whale" is a perfect example of this cinematic style. I do believe you should possess a unique perspective and a mature taste in storytelling to appreciate the beauty and depth of this movie. Because this movie is painfully beautiful, it brings together storytelling, acting, and cinematography, truly a hidden gem.

Spoilers ahead***

For those unfamiliar with the story of the 52-hertz whale, allow me to provide some essential context. The "52-hertz whale" is an individual whale known for emitting calls at a frequency of 52 Hz, which is significantly higher than the 15–25 Hz range typically used by its relatives, such as blue and fin whales. This high-pitched calling makes him inaudible to other whales in the vast ocean, which is why he has been dubbed the loneliest whale in the world. His story transcends mere marine biology; it serves as a powerful metaphor for human loneliness and the universal yearning to be heard and understood, which is the essence of this movie.

I find it brilliant to use the story of the 52-hertz whale to illustrate human loneliness. Just as the whale sings in high frequencies across the expansive ocean yet cannot find another whale to hear him, many people experience a similar sense of isolation. It highlights the feeling that, at times, one's cries go unheard in a world that often feels so vast. It emphasizes how rare it is to find someone who can truly perceive your struggles and extend a hand when you are in need.

That's what Kiko also experiences. She has endured relentless abuse from her mother since childhood, forced to live like a servant abused just to take care of her stepfather. When she is about to do the unthinkable, fate intervenes, and she encounters someone who finally hears her.

In contrast, we have Ango, who harbors a deep secret and has been calling out for help since childhood, yet nobody, including his mother, has ever heard him. When he meets Kiko, he recognizes her silent suffering, perhaps because he himself has been a lonely whale navigating a vast world largely unheard. In reaching out to help her, he connects with her loneliness because he understands what it feels like to be a lonely whale.

Ango's story is heartbreaking. As a transgender man who falls deeply in love, he grapples with the crushing realization that he cannot give Kiko the love in the way she needs. He deeply wishes for her happiness and does everything he can to support her but ultimately acknowledges that he is unable to provide the love she deserves. This conflict between his profound feelings and the reality of their situation is incredibly heartbreaking. Although he heard Kiko, nobody heard him, and his ending was deeply painful.

The introduction of Itoshi feels like a twist of fate, a symbol of how those leading lonely lives, much like the 52-hertz whale, are destined to intersect with others who understand their pain. Their interactions reflect a journey of trauma bonding, highlighting the shared experiences of abuse and emotional neglect. Kiko recognizes the same suffering in Itoshi that she herself has endured, and as Anko provided her with salvation, she strives to offer the same to Itoshi.

This narrative is profoundly layered, melancholic, and beautifully articulated; it can truly be described as pure poetry. The acting is exceptional, breathing life into the complex characters, while the cinematography captures evocative moody blues that enhance the film's atmosphere of serene yet somber melancholy. My hope is that more people discover this cinematic treasure; it is a profoundly beautiful work, resonant with heartache yet deeply relatable, inviting audiences to reflect on the universal experiences of love, loneliness, and the desire to be understood.

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Don't be fooled by the title, this is a masterpiece

Don't be fooled by the title; this movie is more than it suggests. It’s incredibly wholesome, and only Japan could create something like this, filled with so many valuable lessons.

When I first saw the title, I never expected it to be a positive film, but it carries a powerful message. The way the plot unfolds and connects, even with the twelve teenagers attempting something horrific, ultimately transforms the story into one that is incredibly uplifting. By the end, you'll understand why I consider it such a positive experience.

The movie highlights how, when faced with challenges, we often feel stuck and see no solution. However, those outside our situation can view the problem from a fresh perspective and identify solutions we might have missed. It truly shifts the way we think about the challenges and obstacles in our lives, prompting reflection on how, no matter how dire a situation seems, there is always a way forward. Sometimes, when we become too engrossed in our problems, we develop tunnel vision. But if we take a step back or seek help from those around us, they can assist us in breaking that tunnel and seeing the bigger picture.

This movie has a powerful message and is exceptionally brilliant. I highly recommend it, especially for teens ( even adults ) , as it has the potential to change your perspective on life, and maybe teach you something or reshape your perspective about life.

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Not my cup of tea

This movie is based on a manga, and you can recognize it immediately due to its exaggerated behaviors that work well in the manga format but come across as unnatural in live action.

I’m sure the manga is much better, however, I didn’t enjoy this movie very much. I believe this is mainly because the elements from the manga world don't translate well to a live-action setting, and also the way the scenes transitioned from one to another ( I am guessing maybe they were following the manga storyboard) really affected the flow of the movie. It felt incomplete, as if some parts were not edited properly.
Maybe someone will like this but for me is a pass.

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Trigger Warning

**Trigger Warning:** If you can't handle gore, horror, or survival movies with graphic scenes, do not watch this film. It starts immediately with someone head busting, a class full of dead body and loads of blood and extremily graphic scenes, and is definitely gore from the first second to the last.

This movie is heavily influenced by "Battle Royale," but it is much more graphic, especially considering it was made in 2014 using CGI and advanced technology compared toBattle Royale . The scenes are incredibly detailed. While I wouldn't have minded if they'd left some details out, it's definitely a film meant for a certain type of viewer. If you’ve watched "Battle Royale" or "Signal 100," this movie falls in the same category (arguably even more graphic). Additionally, the games played in this movie appear to have inspired "Squid Game," as "As God's Will" was filmed in 2014.


Spoilers ahead ***
Let me provide a bit of background to give you some context if you plan to watch this movie.

First game :The students in the movie must play several games in order to survive. The first game is called "Daruma-san ga Koronda," which is similar to the traditional "Red Light, Green Light." In Japan, one person (the "oni" literally demon) says, “Da-ru-ma-san-ga-ko-ron-da,” while the other players move closer to them. In this movie, the oni is represented by a Daruma doll. (A Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese round doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, acting as a talisman for good luck, perseverance, and goal-setting.)
The Daruma doll turns slowly while chanting “Daruma-san ga…”. When it says “Koronda!”, it turns around to face the entire classroom. If anyone moves within its sight, it opens its mouth and causes that person's head to explode.

The second game: "Maneki Neko," which features a popular figurine believed to bring good luck. In this game, the students wear mouse costumes and must fit a basketball-sized bell through the hoop on the cat's collar to win.

The third game is "Kagome Kagome," a popular children's game. One player is chosen as the oni and sits blindfolded. The other children join hands and walk in circles around the oni while chanting a song. When the song stops, the oni tries to name the person standing directly behind them.

The fourth game is "Shirou Kuma," where students must answer the white bear's questions politely. If they lie, they get killed.

The final game is "Matryoshka," which forces the remaining students to play a lethal version of "Kick the Can." One player is chosen as the "oni" and must capture the others by seeing their faces and calling their names.

The story was a bit confusing at the beginning since I hadn’t read the manga, but the film clarifies things as it progresses. It also made changes to the original games in the manga, so if you're interested, you should check that out as well. The movie plays heavily on surprise elements, starting with extremely graphic scenes, which certainly grabs your interest. While the film itself is great, it ends in a cryptic way, almost suggesting a continuation, and f you have not read the manga i felt like i missed lot of clarity, and felt like there were lot of plot holes. However this might also be due to how the movie tried to include as many game as possible. Overall it was great movie if you like supernatural horror gore movies.

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Falling in and out of love and everything in between

I love discovering my favorite actors starring together in a movie; even before it begins, I know it's going to be great!

Plot***
The story follows Mugi and Kinu, who first meet after missing the last train at Meidaimae Station on the Keio Line in Tokyo. They bond over their shared taste in music and films and quickly fall in love. After college, they both take part-time jobs and move in together, spending five unforgettable years of their twenties as an inseparable couple.

Watching Mugi and Kinu realize they are meant for each other is felt deeply healing. They don't need grand gestures; it simply feels right.
The movie beautifully illustrates how magical it is when you find that special person. Time seems to stop, and life feels much more vibrant. However, as they finish college and enter the real world, Mugi starts a job and their dynamic changes drastically. This shift highlights the strong influence of societal expectations on him, and he becomes trapped in the notion of what happiness should look like; pursuing the "right" path and leaving behind the carefree moments that truly mattered. He forgets that true happiness is found in the simple moments he shared with Kinu, like walking home together, enjoying their favorite bread while sharing their thoughts, playing Nintendo, and reading manga.

As the relationship evolves, we begin to notice subtle change; not loud or dramatic, but small enough that they can almost go unnoticed. This is where cinematography, camera work, and lighting contribute greatly to this storytelling. At the beginning of the movie, when they first move into their apartment, they are seen spending time in the living room with warm yellow and orange tones surrounding them. However, as they drift apart, the colors shift.

We see shots of their apartment from outside, where the living room and other rooms are separated by a dark wall ( how genious is that !?). On one side, Kinu is in the living room, illuminated by warm light and alone, while Mugi is in another room, working in a dark and empty space. This clever use of camera angles and lighting emphasizes their growing distance ( literally a wall between the two)and reflects the changes in their relationship, foreshadowing their eventual separation.

This movie effectively captures how a relationship begins, evolves, and ultimately ends, exploring everything in between. It's truly a brilliant movie; not loud or filled with overt drama, but rather a quiet awareness that gradually unfolds. We witness their love, and we are among the first to see the subtle changes leading to the inevitable conclusion.

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