Reviews

Not bad, but also not good enough to validate its existence.

There are two reasons to make a remake - different time period/culture (cultural changes between countries that are vital for the plot, or modernizing older titles), or significant changes to the content that explain the reason for retelling (changing genres, changing the pov of the story etc.). Sadly, Tanin wa Jigokuda is just retelling exactly the same story, without additional nuance, stripping a lot of depth from the characters and their relationship to fit the plot into a movie format. Basically, all the changes made it actually worse.

Yes, I do understand it's unfair to judge a movie by comparing it to the original drama, but when the movie is so similar and fails to stand alone, it's hard to ignore existing bias.

One of the things that made me disappointed is how this movie was just a horror, while the original story was clearly a psychological horror. Yu was not this guy who from the start we can see has some issue, and we are just waiting for him to finally snap. Yu was just a normal guy that was driven mad by the environment.

Because there was far less focus on Kirishima compared to his character in the Korean version, he never had this unnerving presence. He did not feel like a psychopathic wolf in sheep clothing, he was just full on psycho. Him and Yu also barely shared the screen, so the movie more or less completely skipped the depth of their relationship, dynamics and how they affected each other.

I also feel like the ending was less vague - here some people might like it, depends on the preference. One plot twist got me giggling though, I did not think it made that much sense.

On the bright side - if someone prefers less of a tension, and more of the actual creeps, the Japanese version for sure presents more of a horror style. Less subtle, more weird. The acting was also solid. Even if I was not completely sold on Kirishima as a character, Yanagi Shuntaro's portrayal was dreadful and dire, which was exactly the point.

Directing wise - they knew how to make you uncomfortable. Close up to chewing, quick cuts between the shots. sometimes showing more than I might have wanted to see.

Overall, it's the type of movie you kind of enjoy, but there is nothing really unique about it so you will forget it in a week.

Read More

"Let's Go, Jets!" (original title: Chihayafuru: Chihayafuru Musubi), released in 2017, is a Japanese comedy-drama film that tells the inspiring, feel-good story of a high school cheerleading club in Fukui Prefecture. Based on a true story, the film follows a group of unlikely aspirants who, under the guidance of a tough-love coach, aim for an unprecedented goal: to win the National Cheerleading Championship in the United States. The narrative centers on Hikari Tomonaga (played by Suzu Hirose), a seemingly ordinary high school student who joins the cheerleading club, primarily to be close to a boy she likes. However, the arrival of their strict new advisor, Kaori Saotome (Yuki Amami), quickly shatters any illusions of an easygoing club activity. Saotome sets a daunting target: to reach the USA National Cheerleading Championship within a few years, demanding intense discipline, grueling practice, and complete dedication from the girls. What makes "Let's Go, Jets!" compelling is its classic underdog story executed with charm and genuine emotion. It's not just about the cheerleading routines; it's about the personal growth of each character, their struggles with self-doubt, inter-team conflicts, and the sacrifices they make. Hikari, initially unmotivated, transforms into a determined leader, pushing herself and her teammates beyond their perceived limits. The film effectively portrays the power of teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of having a dream, no matter how audacious it seems. The performances are a significant strength. Suzu Hirose delivers a charismatic and believable portrayal of Hikari, embodying her journey from reluctance to fierce determination. Yuki Amami is excellent as the stern but ultimately caring coach, providing both comedic relief and a grounding force. The entire ensemble cast contributes to the film's vibrant energy, making their collective struggles and triumphs feel authentic. Visually, the film is bright and energetic. The cheerleading sequences are well-choreographed and dynamic, showcasing the athleticism and synchronization required. While the plot follows a familiar trajectory for sports dramas, it's executed with enough sincerity and heartwarming moments to keep the audience engaged. There are moments of humor, but the film's core is its uplifting message about ambition and the bonds forged through shared adversity. In essence, "Let's Go, Jets!" is a delightful and motivational film. It might not break new ground in storytelling, but its earnest performances, engaging characters, and inspiring true-life basis make it a thoroughly enjoyable watch for anyone who appreciates a story about chasing dreams against all odds. It's a testament to the idea that with enough hard work and belief, even the most improbable goals can be achieved.

Read More

ハッピーエンドをありがとう

Just finish watching “MY BEAUTIFUL MAN “
1)season 1
2)season 2
3)special edit version

The best of the best JBL I ever watched….
Why im crying 🙂‍↕️..
The ending was deeply emotional, mutual understanding and love displayed .
This series was teaching me a touching and satisfying conclusion to the story between them (Hira and Kiyoi), exploring their evolving relationship as they navigate adulthood and face new challenges together.
The lead actor never disappoint.
Always makes me feel constant butterflies in my stomach.
Their chemistry was top tier 🫠
Couldn’t have asked for the better cast..
This series will be one of my fav BL SERIES🤍
So GUYS!!! U should watch this series...it won't disappoint🤍🤍

Read More

Emotional detachment, tries hard but doesn't really work

kinda sweet and clean, but some things made it odd in a bad way. Leads actually looked less attractive when they were dressed up & fancy. how is that possible ? side characters were kinda ridiculous looking, which was less interesting & more distracting. some plot points were so unrealistic that it was in your face that they existed only to make the plot work. they should have made the cruise last 45 days in order to sell the idea that the leads would switch thier affection for thier significant others because how are they not the same as thier cheating boyfriend/girlfriend if they are so easily emotionally detached ? AND nice happy ending, BUT what about the fact that male lead's job is on a cruise ship ? how can he maintain any relationship with someone not also on the cruise ship ?

Read More

It is a fast paced and entertaining romp. Some shortcut were taken to made the narrative work in the limited time so it can feel a bit contrived. Ha! I just realised how contrived the original premise is so does that makes it a double positive? Double negative? LoL

Anyway, the ML put in a lot of effort while playing this role and kudos to him. The support cast are there to move the plot along and they did it competently. There is a hint of romance but it is not a major plot point.

I'm thankful that being a movie, there is no time for long detours or side plots that are angst trains. It moves along at a good pace and most comedic moments landed, which is never a given. The 3 act play is done and dusted right on cue.

BTW, do look up Tootsie(1982) starring Dustin Hoffman. He is the OG unnie. ;)

Read More

Awesome action sequences. Off color humor

Trying to give a James Bond vibe with comedy thrown in, it somehow reminds me of a Charlie's Angle's movie where you have seriously good action sequences but then cheesy embarrassing moments. Alot of the laughs are not from clean humor & that's when you feel embarrassed for the actors. A wink, a nod & some innuendo would have been funny, but the randy (rude ,over sexed) girlfriends kinda ruin things with their dirty talk.Also the girls dancing in the bar scene ruins the nice girl's nice-ness.If those things weren't in the movie, I would have given it a better rating

Read More

Not a comedy or romance (not sure what to call it besides a dud)

Starring one of my least favorite female actresses, where do I begin to loathe ? The guys aren't good looking, infidelity, rude discussions abound. This is not only badly filmed, but it also looks like a much older film. Not a comedy, not a romance. Instead it's sad, depressing & heartbreaking.
When you see the old lady talking about how the main character's married mother shook her backside at a man & went off into the tall grass with him...that's how crude this movie is. When you see the pigs mating & the villagers cheering them on...that's as light hearted as it gets.
The only single guy on the island of marriageable age is a Lothario (man who behaves selfishly & irresponsibly in his sexual relationships with women.) whose kissing scene is gross, really disgusting. ( sloppy kisser!)

Read More