strawberryeuphoria

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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Grab that mega box of tissues before you start this movie...

I highly recommend checking out the manga before you watch this movie, as it can adds significant depth to the movie.

This movie is yet another example of J-trauma. At this point, watching these emotionally intense movies that make me tear up and leave scars on my heart has become a weekly ritual. Make sure to have a mega box of tissues on hand because this will make you cry. I don't wanna give away the story because it's worth watching but also because I don't wanna start tearing up again.

One aspect I'd like to highlight is how the movie raises awareness about ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and the debilitating nature of this disease. Watching Rino battle ALS at such a young age and witnessing its impact on Rio's family and Ren offers a realistic depiction of the challenges this condition presents. I am impressed by both the manga and the movie for educating viewers about a disease that's rarely discussed but can be devastating for those who fight it.

Overall, the movie is definitely worth watching for how informative is about ALS despite its extremely sad premise.

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If I had told her how I felt back then, would the future have been different?

"18×2 Beyond Youthful Days" is truly a cinematic feast. If you enjoyed "Love Letter" and have a fondness for old Hong Kong-style movies featuring those vibrant and warm colors, you will likely love this film.

Prepare yourself for a deeply emotional experience, as this movie is quite sad! Have a mega tissue box nearby because you’re going to feel a lot. This will resonate even more if you've seen "Love Letter," the iconic Japanese movie, since this story parallels its narrative and cinematography.
This film, a co-production between Taiwan and Japan, takes us on a journey through the bustling warm streets of Taiwan and showcases the stunning coastal and snowy landscapes of Kamakura, Nagano, and Fukushima.

Despite its breathtaking cinematography and camerawork, the film excels in plot as well. Paying homage to "Love Letter," it tells the story of Jimmy and Ami as they fall in love, only to be confronted by life's twists and turns and the regrets tied to lost chances. It prompts us to reflect, "If I had told her how I felt back then, would the future have been different?" As Jimmy travels through Japan, a sense of nostalgia washes over you. We’ve all experienced the feelings of lost time and missed opportunities, and the regret of waiting too long to meet the people we wanted to. Sometimes, we get caught up in the routine of life and forget to truly live. This is the kind of movie that evokes those emotions profoundly.

From a cinematography perspective, this film serves as an excellent case study for film schools. The way the story and performances are enhanced through careful camera angles, lighting, and color is remarkable.

At the beginning of the movie, we see a lot of cold tones;whites and greys, that evoke a sense of chill. This color palette mirrors Jimmy’s life, which has lost its warmth as he has moved into adulthood. His once bright and joyful self is now overshadowed by the stresses of business, leaving his days filled with grey, much like the colors on screen.

In contrast, his flashbacks to youth are brimming with warmth; a vivid array of yellows, oranges, and reds that capture the lively nights in Taiwan's bustling streets, filled with traffic and roadside food stalls illuminated by cheerful yellow lights and neon signs. It feels warm, happy, and comforting, reminiscent of old-school, vintage Hong Kong-style movies, which are soaked in nostalgia. The colors perfectly match the emotions the movie aims to convey; so much that, you can almost feel the warmth radiating from the screen.

The film culminates in a visual feast, showcasing scenic locations in Japan that echo the breathtaking scenery of "Love Letter," now rendered with bright whites and soft hints of cool blues. These colors evoke feelings of a bright future, beauty, and clarity, emphasizing the vastness of the Earth and the endless opportunities for exploration. It serves as a reminder of how traveling and the people you meet can forever change your perspective on life.

The sense of nostalgia that pervades the entire movie makes you feel alive, almost as if you’ve shared those experiences with Jimmy. Perhaps it’s the millennial in me that longs for those old memories, which are deeply embedded in our hearts and souls.

If you appreciate storytelling, cinema, and art, you will find much to love in this film. There’s so much to discuss. However, for a more complete experience, I recommend watching "Love Letter" first. It will provide greater clarity and make you appreciate the film’s message more profoundly.

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Every scene could be a postcard

This is the kind of movie that tends to divide audiences;you either love it or you don't. It was done specifically for a very unique niche of viewers who appreciate its distinctiveness. One of the aspects I adore is the prominent emphasis on the color blue; this hue is woven throughout the cinematography and deeply influences the emotions of the characters. The film is not only cinematic and visually stunning, but every single frame feels so meticulously put together that it could easily serve as a postcard. That’s how breathtakingly beautiful it appeared to me.

Describing this film is quite challenging; it goes beyond words and becomes more of an emotional experience. The music played an integral role in capturing the essence of the story. It's no surprise that the film’s soundtrack was created by Yaffle, a talented music producer renowned for his work with Kaze Fujii and various other artists.

While the film is not loud in its presentation, it possesses a freshness that makes it feel dreamlike;a quality that wrapped me as I watched. I found myself thoroughly enjoying every moment of it. I believe this is a film you must experience firsthand to determine whether it resonates with you. The story is undeniably particular, and the visuals serve as a feast for the eyes, leaving a lasting impression that lingers well beyond the closing credits.

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This is going to be the scariest ride ever!

I went into this movie with no idea how terrifying revenge could ever be! I do not think I have watched a revenge film as dark and chilling as this one, and I honestly felt bad for the bad guys.

Also, this movie is so graphic and has so much blood and death, so be aware this is hard.

Honestly, the plot is crazy! It is beyond anything I could imagine. The mother who takes revenge is crazily brutal. I don’t want to give away anything except the trigger warning, this is heavy! So think 10 times before you embark on this journey because this is going to be the scariest ride ever! I don’t think I blinked or breath throughout the whole movie.
If you think you can take this ride and you are ready, just go blind! this going to be crazy !

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The wounds of forbidden love

This is a beautiful piece of Japanese storytelling. I don’t think we have many works that focus on the effect of love scandals on the immediate family. It’s nice to see the focus on the family rather than the couple and see how their actions really affected those around them. The movie does a good job at showing how cheating is a lot more than two individuals in love, and how their action can affect their loved ones negatively.

Plot***
So the story follows Naotatsu, who moves in with his uncle to make it easier for his commute to high school. But as he moves on, he comes to find out that his uncle’s house has been transformed into a share house and he is sharing with other people. Among the group, he meets Sasaki, who is strikingly beautiful. In fact, Naotatsu falls in love with her, but Sasaki does not believe in love and has no intention of starting any relationship. What Naotatsu does know is that he and Sasaki are connected by events that unfolded many years back.

**Spoilers**

So the story is that Naotatsu's father and Sasaki's mother had an affair, and they ran away. Back when these events took place, Naotatsu was too young to remember, but Sasaki was 16 years old, and these events profoundly impacted her, especially knowing how her mother’s actions harmed another family. This movie is interesting in how the focus is not on cheating parents, but the effect on the kids, and the story is seen through the eyes of the victims; in this case, the kids. In the case of Sasaki, what her mother did scared her for life, destroying someone else’s life and made her afraid to love. While she struggles with these wounds, those who were actually involved in this case, her mother and her partner, have moved on in life like nothing else and are living their lives with no consequences. It’s interesting to see the extent of the damage. While one might think running away for love only concerns them, they fail to see how all of that affected those around them.

The movie dives into the scars and wounds and also shows the inèerfect and difficult journey into healing, letting go, and acceptance. There are also a lot of cooking scenes as Sasaki is presented as someone who enjoys cooking when she is struggling with her feelings, so it is such a treat for the eyes. It's a really beautiful movie, I do feel like this could have been great as a drama; it would have been interesting to see more of the characters’ and the parents’ backstory.

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A cycle of hell

First and foremost, I want to give a huge trigger warning: this film dives deeply into themes of abuse and domestic violence. If these topics are distressing or triggering for you, I highly recommend avoiding it.

The movie is adapted from a chilling horror novel, and while there is a Korean remake, this is the original Japanese version.

**Plot**
The story revolves around Mitsui, a man who has dealt with feelings of neglect and isolation since childhood. He was often overlooked by both his family and classmates, leaving him with a profound sense of abandonment. The only person who ever acknowledged him and called him by his name was Chihiro, a girl from his past. Despite the passage of many years since high school, he remains obsessively fixated on her. One rainy day, while riding in an elevator, Mitsui catches a whiff of a familiar fragrance that instantly transports him back to memories of Chihiro. This pushes him to seek her out, hoping to catch a glimpse of the girl he has been infatuated with for most of his life. However, to his surprise, the woman he encounters is far from the radiant girl he once knew. The smile that once lit up her face has vanished, replaced by a heaviness that deeply concerns him.

**Spoilers ahead****

Driven by worry, Mitsui decides to move into a nearby apartment, becoming increasingly fixated on Chihiro. This initial concern gradually spirals into an unhealthy obsession, leading him to engage in stalking and sinister behaviors like installing recording devices, and even hiding beneath her bed at times (and that's not all).

As the narrative unfolds, Mitsui uncovers the horrifying reality of Chihiro’s life. He learns that she is living in a cycle of abuse and sexual assault at the hands of her husband. Let me tell you; these scenes are raw and haunting, and they are really difficult to watch at times. Yet again, they are another testimony to the harsh realities that many women endure, often in plain sight. What is interesting is Mitsui’s obsessive perspective allows him to recognize the alarming signs of her abuse, while those directly involved in her life seem oblivious to the horror she experiences daily, although the signs are right in front of their eyes.

In a way, you feel like Mitsui is the better option, but the movie presents a complicated portrayal of Mitsui’s character. While he observes the torment Chihiro faces and wishes to intervene, his role as a stalker complicates any potential for him to be a genuine ally. His obsession undermines his intentions, presenting him as both a potential savior and an unsettling threat. The contrast between Mitsui's stalking and the reality of Chihiro's situation raises profound questions about the nature of her safety. While we are presented with two bad guys and pushed to recognize the better bad guy, we also realize how scary this situation is for Chihiro. On one side, she has an abusive husband, who gives her hell on earth; on the other side, there is a stalker whose obsession can spiral at any time, and we don’t know how far it can go. It makes me wonder if Chihiro can really be safe.

Overall, the film is nicely crafted but difficult to watch due to its brutal and realistic portrayal of abuse and sexual assault. It leaves viewers contemplating the complexities of human obsession and the desperation of those trapped in damaging relationships. The story serves as a reminder of the realities many face while exploring the darker aspects of human emotion and connection.

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Manga and anime is way superior

Orange is one of those manga to movie adaptations that really benefit from reading the manga before you watch this movie. I think most of the love toward this movie is a reflection of how loved this manga is. I found it a good movie; the casting is not always perfect and there is a bit of confusion, which is part of making a manga into a movie, which takes away a lot of the crucial elements only a manga can hold. Although the ending was a bit confusing and even though the cast is well-known, some instances I found it hard to feel the emotion in their acting. I was not impressed with the female lead's acting. But overall, it’s a nice movie, but the high rating is mostly because of the manga and anime.

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Love Me, Love Me Not felt surprisingly long for how little actually happens. The pacing is slow, but at the same time, the emotional development feels rushed, like everything is happening too fast without enough depth. Honestly, this story would have worked much better as a drama rather than a movie.

Plot*
The film follows Yuna and Akari, two high school girls with completely different views on love. Yuna is dreamy and idealistic, in love with the idea of romance, especially a prince-like character from a childhood book, while Akari is more grounded and realistic. When Yuna meets Rio, who looks just like the boy from her book, she immediately falls for him, only to discover he’s Akari’s stepbrother.


Spoilers ahead***


From there, the story turns into a complicated love square: Yuna loves Rio, Rio is in love with Akari, and Akari is trying to suppress her feelings for Rio while slowly opening herself up to Kazuomi. On paper, it’s a messy but interesting setup. In execution, though, it feels unrealistic.

The biggest issue is how quickly everything resolves. Characters confess, move on, and change feelings with very little buildup. Rio, in particular, goes from being deeply in love with Akari to suddenly accepting Yuna, which feels abrupt and unconvincing. The emotional weight just isn’t there to support these shifts.
Akari’s internal conflict and her feelings for Rio felt real. I can see how deeply in love they were but the fact that they were step siblings was like a death sentence to them. Honestly made no sense, and also the way she brushed off her feeling for Rio and moved on to Kazuomi, raised so many questions.

The way they were moving from one to another felt forced, unnatural, and not realistic. Maybe being a movie it played a big part by affecting the flow. One moment you see Rio's burning for Akari, In love with her and also suffering because he can't be with her but then the next minutes he just move on like it's nothing e. This make me feel like all their feelings lack validity and strength. Felt more like kids obsessed over toys than teenagers navigating love.

Because the story is adapted from a manga, it feels like too much was compressed into a short runtime. The result is a film that somehow feels both dragged out and incomplete at the same time. Scenes linger, but the characters themselves don’t grow enough. In the end, Love Me, Love Me Not just feels like a story that needed more time, more space, and more emotional buildup to truly work.

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