Reviews

Very realistic and great story.

FL = Female lead
ML= Male lead

"A Japanese romcom that is realistic?! No way." I know it sounds strange, but I truly think that this movie is very realistic for a romcom. Before some of you start debating me, no I do not think that very single detail of the movie is realistic such as the cafeteria guy running on the walls in the first ten minutes of the movie or any of the classic Japanese effects that add humor to the situation (such as arrows hitting/ rocks falling on the FL when she feels defeated).

HOWEVER, I do think that the actions/emotions of both the FL and the ML are very realistic and I think a lot of people would act the same way in their situations.
Examples (spoilers will occur):
- The way the FL was treating the ML's new gf was expected.
She was jealous and very passive aggressive and when she wasn't getting the reactions she expected out of the ML's gf, she felt shock and was uncertain of 'her roll in the story'. Disclaimer- I'm not saying that the way she treated ML's gf was valid or something I would do, I'm just saying the way she reacted was realistic for an extroverted and jealous teenage girl.
- The manipulation happening between the ML and his gf.
This topic is a very realistic situation in which the MF's gf manipulates him into not leaving her, even though he wants to and isn't truly happy with her. The whole reason why he didn't leave her is because she had him thinking that she was unwell or sick when she really wasn't, and he -believing her- knew he would feel extremely guilty if he left her all alone while she was sick and he was the only person that she relied on. Not only does this manipulation make him unhappy, but it causes him to distance himself from the FL (even though they were close friends their whole life) and that is a very realistic situation that makes the audience empathize with him, especially if they've been in that exact situation themselves.
- The FL trying to move on.
I think a lot of people can relate to trying to move on when they don't want to or aren't 100% ready to. When the FL tries to move on with the 2nd male lead, she finds that she's not able to truly move on even though she tries and can't help but still be in love with the ML. The guilt that she feels when she breaks the news to the 2nd male lead is something that I think a lot of people can empathize with even if they don't fully agree with her decision.

There is more, but I feel like I've already written an essay and might start to be losing some people's attention, lol.

Overall I think that this story is a good watch and I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did based on some reviews I read before hand, which just proves that the only opinion that matters is your own!! Is this story cliché? Yes. But, I truly think you need to watch it for yourself at least once! Thanks for reading!!

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Nice story

This was a nice little movie to pass time. It was very interesting and it kept my attention throughout the whole thing because the way the story plays out left me with questions in which I wanted to keep watching for answer to. I will say it wasn't necessarily something 'life changing' because I have seen similar plots like it , but I did enjoy watching. It isn't SUPER predictable, and that is a big bonus in my opinion. The re-watch value is iffy, personally I don't consider it to be something I'd have the desire to watch again, but overall I do think it's a good movie to watch at least once in your life.

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Watched Again After 7 Years

I didnt remember most of the story (though i did remember most of the twists) and god, I forgot how good this movie is. I gave it a 10 in the past and Im keeping it as a 10 for my personal rating, but showing some restraint and giving it a 9 here.

If you like dark anything, watch it. If you like unequal power dynamics, ooooh my god is this for you. I love obsessive love done well and this is done spectacularly. My kingdom for this to have been a series because i could absolutely gorge myself on these two's relationship.

Mitsuo is in charge but Mitsuo is in charge so, secretly, Mitsuo is in charge. Its a lovely watch, filled to the brim with violence and grimy living... ah, I just love it!!

So worth a watch. And a rewatch for that matter, this pair is just 🔥🔥. Anyway, if you watch things with your ethics or morals in mind, mayne skip, otherwise, jump in :D

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Movie missed the mark on many aspects, wish it would have taken a much darker road!

The premise of the story is relatively bonker but is very interesting as well. The way the two main leads are bounded together as well as the mystery could have made an amazing story. Unfortunately, it failed on a lot of aspects making it very difficult for me to connect and be invested in what was happening to the characters.

Acting-wise, I like a lot Zee and Nunew pairing. They are quite good in the more classical romantic moments and their chemistry is still very strong and believable. Sadly enough, I don't think they have the acting chops for some of the more "thrilling" scenes: they lacked quite a bit and it felt blank when it should have been super emotional or frightning. To be fair, they were really not helped by the scenario and the dialogs.

I enjoyed the soundtrack, there are really not a lot of songs but Nunew singing is always really beautiful and once again I truly enjoyed his voice in the movie. Regarding the filmmaking, it could have been much better. The horror factor is too limited, the overall vibe is not scary enough. The mansion is too luxurious and nice, it sets an atmosphere propice for the romance but it diminishes the fright the viewer might feel as the mystery unfolds. I wish they would have taken a very dark road rather than going for what felt as some very safe and run-of-the-mill filmmaking choices.

I would recommend this to people that are looking for a BL with some horrific elements. It could have been much scarier but it is at least different from usual BL stories. Scenario could as well have been better, the idea and concept is interesting (while a bit crazy in its starting point) but the way it develops and the ending felt flat. There are better BL movies out there but if you like Zee and Nunew, it might be worth your time to see them in a very different setting than their previous drama.

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I WAS SOBBING

I know, it doesn't have any music, story and the cast is just the director and his mother but these 1 minute 34 seconds made me feel sooooooooooo much....I know it sounds like I'm over-exaggerating but I seriously am not....The way his mother, despite her old age walks all the way to the grocery store and comes back carrying a heavy cabbage just to make jeon for her son, who's coming back home, shows us how POWERFUL mothers are....Every single day many of us blessed people who have their mothers, experience this...And we all are sooooooo used to our mothers being kind to us that we never even think of their hardwork....I tell my mom "iloveyou" several times, but I don't know if I'm truly being a good daughter to her....
I wanna write more but my tears are blurring my vision....I apologize for any grammatical/lexical errors....

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Not for Square People

First of all, the plot twist was crazy. I really loved it. The acting was great, and the cast performed very well. Kim Tae Ri looked so pretty, and the film looked pretty realistic and raw, and that's something I absolutely loved. Everything was good except the erotica. I just jumped out of my seat when I first watched it, plus it weirded me out. I don't know why they added so much intensity to this film; it just looked extra. Not even needed.
Probably added more scenes of Count about how good of a conman he is, Kim Tae Ri's past, or the Uncle's past, but nah, Lesbian Love was added. I am just not comfortable watching that kind of thing on screen.
The Handmaiden is a cinematic movie, probably a blockbuster movie if launched today, but not my cup of tea. The fetish and erotica are probably for coomers, not for normal people who watch movies for plot, characters, story, and acting.

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It's all about heartwarming moments and discovering the ABCs of teenage love.

As I went into the live-action adaptation of "Ao Haru Ride," I found myself pleasantly surprised by the heartfelt storytelling, captivating characters, and the undeniable chemistry that unfolded on screen. Strangely, or perhaps fittingly, my lack of familiarity with the manga or anime allowed me to approach the film with a fresh perspective, unburdened by preconceived expectations.

The narrative weaves a tale of love, growth, and the complexities of human connections. Yoshioka and Mabuchi, portrayed by the talented Tsubasa Honda and Masahiro Higashide, are at the forefront of this emotional journey. The story follows Yoshioka's high school experience as she crosses paths with her long-lost love, now known as Mabuchi Kou, played impeccably by Higashide. The film masterfully builds upon the nuances of their relationship, creating a palpable connection that is both heartwarming and bittersweet.

The standout element of "Ao Haru Ride" is the chemistry between the two leads. Contrary to what one might expect, their on-screen dynamic is undeniably charming. Honda's portrayal of Yoshioka exudes a mix of vulnerability and strength, while Higashide breathes life into Kou with a depth that goes beyond the typical high school romance tropes. Their interactions felt genuine, and the adorable scene where Kou consoles Yoshioka by placing her head on his chest was a touching highlight, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer's heart.

One cannot overlook the meticulous attention to character development, particularly in the backstories of Mabuchi and Yoshioka. Their evolution throughout the film is not only believable but also relatable. The sacrifices and choices they make for each other, coupled with moments of heartbreak, contribute to a narrative that transcends the typical teenage romance and delves into the complexities of love and self-discovery.

The supporting cast, including the ever-loyal friends, adds depth to the story. The strong bond and friendship among the characters make you feel good, and there's no betrayal or unnecessary drama happening. This not only supports the central narrative but also emphasizes the importance of friendship in navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence.

The film's pace may be considered slow by some, but the deliberate unfolding of key moments, coupled with skillful direction and cinematography, amplifies the emotional impact. The music complements the narrative, enhancing the overall viewing experience and underscoring the depth of the characters' emotions.

In conclusion, "Ao Haru Ride" stands as a testament to the power of well-executed live-action adaptations. For those like me, entering the story with fresh eyes, it becomes a delightful journey of heart and growth. The chemistry between Honda and Higashide, coupled with the genuine portrayal of characters and their relationships, makes this film a captivating exploration of love and self-discovery. Whether you're a fan of high school romance or simply looking for a heartfelt escape, "Ao Haru Ride" is a must-watch, a cinematic gem that lingers in the heart long after the credits roll.

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Beautifully captures the essence of innocence, friendship, and the blossoming of love

"From Me to You" is like a warm hug on a chilly day, a comforting tale that gently unfolds with innocence, friendship, and the blossoming of young love. From the very beginning, it draws you in with its muted yet inviting palette, creating a visual world that mirrors the delicate emotions of its characters.

The heart of the story lies in the painfully shy Kuronuma Sawako, affectionately nicknamed 'Sadako' by her peers. Her resemblance to the horror movie character might set her apart, but it's her journey toward breaking free from isolation that forms the beating heart of the narrative. You find yourself rooting for her, leaning forward almost involuntarily, silently urging her to find her voice and break through the barriers of her own introversion.

And then there's Kazehaya Shota, brought to life with an enchanting smile by the late Haruma Miura. It's not just a smile; it's a radiant sun that lights up the screen, mirroring the genuine kindness and warmth that define his character. Miura's portrayal is so perfect that it's almost as if Kazehaya was crafted with him in mind, making you fall in love with the character just as Sawako does.

The film masterfully captures the beauty of cherry blossoms, not just as a visual spectacle but as a symbolic representation of passing moments and the promise of renewal. The high-angle shots of Kazehaya and Sawako at the zebra crossing under a cherry tree, with sakura petals gently falliing around them, become metaphors for the blossoming love between two seemingly opposite souls.

What makes "From Me to You" stand out is its portrayal of friendship. The romantic storyline, though sweet, feels almost secondary at times. Instead, the film excels in depicting the intricacies of relationships forged through sacrifice, strength, togetherness, trust, and love. Yano-san and Yoshida-san, Sawako's friends, add depth to the narrative with their own quirks and struggles.

Sawako's sincerity toward her friends is palpable. Her interactions with them are heartwarming, demonstrating that bonds are formed not just through shared joys but also through navigating challenges together. The film beautifully captures the essence of unconditional love, as seen through Sawako's parents, who see her as their precious jewel despite societal misconceptions.

The pacing of the film, often described as slow, is deliberate. It allows the audience to savor each moment, immerse themselves in the characters' emotions, and appreciate their growth. It's a deliberate choice that pays off, making the story more immersive and the characters more relatable.

The soundtrack, though not the that of aattention, complements the narrative seamlessly. While you may not consciously hear it over the heartfelt acting, it works subtly in the background to enhance the emotional resonance of the scenes.

In conclusion, "From Me to You" is not just a movie; it's a journey. It's a journey through the complexities of adolescence, the sweetness of first love, the warmth of enduring friendships, and the beauty of self-discovery. It's a celebration of the quiet ones, the misunderstood souls, and the transformative power of genuine connections. And for fans of Haruma Miura, it's a testament to his ability to breathe life into a character that lingers in your heart even after the screen goes dark. A true cinematic gem that leaves you with a smile, much like Kazehaya's, engraved in your heart.

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Nowhere near as cool as it should be

A 55-minute hyperkinetic descent into electro-charged madness, Electric Dragon 80.000 V is a virtually plotless, overly-extended music video playing like a punk rock shock to the brain. Championing kinetic anarchy and raw aggression, the film's underground visual style with its high contrast black and white cinematography and bizarre imagery set to an overwhelming eardrum-shattering industrial noise soundtrack will certainly have its fans. I can't deny that the film is a wildly unique piece of eye candy, often with fast-cutting sequences filled with flashes of electricity and surging power within our characters, not to mention the wild guitar-playing sequences. Having that high contrast crisp monochrome look, Electric Dragon plays like a manga come to its fullest realisation, a visual and aural marvel, shot and edited with boundless energy and style, and yet I'm still left wanting more.

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Absolute Must See...!!!

I've watched A LOT of J-Drama's over the years. This one REALLY hit home with me personally and otherwise. You'll be thrown off at first when starting the film as to what it's about. But as it progresses it turns into a BEAUTIFUL emotional story between two kids and there feelings for each other. I could so totally relate to what they both were struggling with as i did myself when i was about there age maybe a bit older. Everything from the story itself, to the actors, music, and scenery is on spot. Please don't pass up this gem folks. It truly is a tear jerker so make sure you have your tissues ready. I can't emphasize enough it's probably one of THE BEST Asian drama's i've seen in a long while. This is the kind of film or drama series i want to see MUCH, MUCH, more of. 10/10...!!!

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i’m gonna die

so many details i don’t think any amount of rewatching could make it 100% clear. it’s tense and scary during the adults povs. i don’t think ive ever been so antsy in my entire life watching a movie. but then suddenly that all goes away when the kids pov hit. i think the entire time i was expecting an answer to everything that was going on and while we saw all the povs, we never really got one, and i feel like it’s kinda the point? even the ending is as ambiguous as it was during the start. but while the movie started with little to no hope and just that overwhelming feeling that this is going to go badly, the ending is filled with so much hope and happiness. but i still sobbed so so hard thinking that it was sad. but it wasn’t really though.

i think i expected the worst to happen because that’s what every one else expected. you could tell the mom was loosing hope. so much to the point where every time she lost sight of minato, she thought he had died. and the teacher had lost all hope in the people around him that he had no strength for himself. but we don’t really think about those things as a kid. we don’t think about those around us and how sad our lives are getting. it’s a type of innocence i didn’t know could be captured this well until i watched this movie.

i saw somewhere that there’s a scene of the kids looking back into the camera as the last shot and im so so glad they didn’t keep that in. in the last scene, they never look back, running towards the place where a gate used to stand. and while ambiguous, it makes it even more happy. they are running, not thinking of anyone but themselves, towards a place that’s void of obsticles and things holding them back. there is no possibility of any “monsters” around them. by getting through the storm, they were able to see a life of no gate blocking them.

the director said they made this on the basis that they are alive, but that in the end it’s up to the viewers. and i think that keeping them alive is so so so much more powerful than killing them. so many queer stories end on the basis of someone dying or just being depressing in general. but for this to have such an emotional story and it still turning out happy, is more powerful and meaningful.
i think the whole basis of this movie is made to make people think the ending will be of the boys being “reincarnated” or being together but in a different life. but i don’t think thats what the boys meant when talking about those things. they never wanted to leave their lives, they never wanted to be reincarnated, they just wanted to be together. and by the end, they are finally able to do that. they get to run off into the distance and have it actually mean a happy ending, and have it actually be the story of their lives.

my favorite line is like the last line of the movie when hoshikawa asks whether they’ve been reincarnated or not.

“were we reborn?”
“there’s no such thing as reincarnation”

“we weren’t?”
“we weren’t, we are still the same.”

i just think that this being the last line of the movie just solidifies the fact that it’s a happy ending. they don’t need different lives or different bodies. they can be happy and hopeful now in this life.

there’s so much going on in this movie i’m so surprised it was all packing into 2 hours. each person has their own life and own view on the things happening around them. it’s almost as if every single part is its own story.

idk this felt so magical i felt like i was flying or something. and i so genuinely thought i was going to leave this movie so depressed but it’s like the opposite and this rarely ever happens with these types of movies so im kinda over the moon right now.

but i still did cry a lot so im gonna nap!!!!!!!!!!

and NO IM NOT IN DENIAL THEY DIDNT DIE DONT BE SILLY!!!!

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This movie is confusingly bad, twisting off in a weird direction and adding nothing to the original.

After having a good time with Ringu (1998), I decided to take a chance on this sequel that was strangely released at the same time, as a sort of sister movie. It shares a few actors and sets, but it was made by a different director and has an entirely different feel. It starts off with a decent opening act, setting up an interesting new character, and a new investigation of the mystery of the tape. Some of the shots are quite pretty to look at, too. But the plot never really becomes satisfying - the writing gets worse and worse until it reaches a laughable and bizarre conclusion.

The villain of the first movie was the apparition of a powerful psychic girl who died years ago. She was a tragic figure - but she was absolutely horrifying. There was no reasoning with her, and no grand motivation to her curse, it was an expression of her hatred. Sadako is back this time alongside the tape, but this time she's.... sexy? Her disturbing appearance from Ringu is replaced with a pleasant look and a saucy attitude. It turns out that the videotape didn't really have much to do with anything; it was just a minor part of her grand plan. The investigation this time is medicalized. The curse isn't just something supernatural, it's a virus. And you almost want that to work for a second, but it's never really explained or understood, and it never becomes satisfying. The curse becomes something dry and boring, until it becomes something ridiculously outlandish and impossible!

The original Ringu relies heavily on the supernatural. The curse is something fully spiritual, but it's actually explained in detail and the viewer comes to understand it satisfactorily. The virus in this movie is something super bizarre that you can never quite understand. It acts like a curse, then it's a disease, then it's a curse again, then it's freaking super powers. I can almost guarantee that you won't believe the way it acts towards the end of this film. It's truly a slap in the face.

Another thing is that there is not a single scary moment in this movie. There's no horror here at all. It just strings you along with a weirdly convoluted and bad plot. It feels like the back half of the movie was rushed out in a hurry - there's almost no weight to anything when the reveals start hitting. Thankfully, this sequel doesn't manage to retroactively ruin Ringu, because it's almost impossible to square what happens here with the events of the original. The characters that are borrowed just aren't themselves, and the spirit of the curse is entirely gone.

Strangely enough, this movie seems to be fairly faithful to the original books, which is wild to me. But those stories seem to get even more far-fetched as they go along. I suppose Ringu just made something great out of a fairly mediocre work.

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Unexpectedly good

Looks like this is the gay year! This is the second watch of the year and this year is off to a great start with one great surprise after another! I had no expectations when I picked up this film but it was so hilarious, emotional, and well-crafted. It made me laugh so hard, but it also shocked me with its plot twists and made me cry. That's so special since I've just gone through some shows lately that were so emotionally uninspiring or lacking. Then there's this film. It goes the extra mile in its silly, goofy humor but also stays level-headed enough to tell an interesting story with a logical plot and give that extra emotional kick by the end.

Summary: A homophobic policeman accidentally gets himself into a ghost marriage with a gay guy. In his desperation to get rid of the ghost, he tries to help him reincarnate by fulfilling his wish. The last wish? Avenge his death by finding the killer.

Plot: It's not super complex but it's very well-made and it just works so well from start to finish, it was so satisfying. It also had some elements that I'm so not used to seeing from East Asian shows that I was a little shocked! hehe... I also liked how bold they were with both trying to land the jokes and also just pushing the characters out of their comfort zone. The film was committed to the gags and that was impressive.

Acting: Everyone did a great job. Better than their other projects that I have seen before. Now, if I think about it too hard, I can see some people complaining about cliche stereotypes but I feel like that would need a dive into some philosophical arguments about heteronormativity and socially expected behavior and asfdaghshd....it's not that deep! The acting worked in context.

Music and production: It was good.

Rewatch value: Sure, if you have the time.

Overall: This was a good funny film and I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended. Warning: It has nudity. Just...saying.

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It's not your typical "follow your dreams" show

At first, I thought this is going to be another typical "dreams come true" story, boy was I wrong. What makes this unique is that it's inspired by true story. I'd love to meet a family like that, how fun are they!?

Firstly, it is a unique perspective to be seeing family photos like this in the "art scene". I mean, most award winning photographs we often see are like nature, still photograph, or just anything but something that looks like a "family photo album". Yet, this man did it.

Secondly, it shows us how important photos can be. In digital world where taking photos are so easy, the art is sometimes taken for granted. Yet, when one's family got hit by Tsunami, suddenly these photos become precious moments that are left. I really love how ML took the photo for the little girls' family. That really got me choked up in tears.

Thirdly, it teaches us to continue showing up. If no one wants to publish you, do your own exhibition. All it takes is one person to spot you. But, it takes showing up consistently. This actually reminds me a little bit of La La Land

Overall, it's really worth watching. It's so healing, touching and inspiring.

Honestly to me, this is more about family love than following your dream per se, although that's big part of the show

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