strawberryeuphoria

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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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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