Reviews

Beautiful Truths In a BL

I love this as a stand alone in the series. If you can, watch the short prelude to this (its about 10 minutes) as its gives a little more of Haruhiko’s point of view. I wasn’t a fan of the other movies in the series. I like the characters in this part of the narrative better. I think they fit at a better part in Rio’s life. He even says that when his old lover (from Mood Indigo) briefly reenters and basically asks why they can’t work instead. Because they are too much alike. That simple. Their time has passed.

There were some really deep thoughts in this movie that went beyond a typical BL. It really made me think. Why we are drawn to people we love, for instance. Its a thinking persons BL and just a really well written movie no matter what genre it calls itself. Its also sexy, romantic, and introspective. Well worth it if you can find a subbed version out there!

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A bit confusing but not bad

I really took a shot in the dark watching this simply because of the fact that it's a vampire movie and I can't say I'm all that disappointed.

I think this movie gave Fluke the chance to act as something other than the sweet, innocent boy we know in UWMA and I think that really made the movie for me. I liked this take on the vampire trope especially the direction it went in for said vampire's lover. I'm not usually a fan of thrillers but the thriller aspects were palatable for me even as someone who generally finds that kind of thing boring. The ending was not unforeseeable and I kind of wish they had done something different but it didn't really change how much I enjoyed Wine's story and character arc.

Over all I can't really see myself rewatching this movie despite my positive feelings towards it. I'd recommend it to any vampire enthusiast but be warned that (like with many vampire shows/movies and thrillers) there may be some things triggering for some viewers so proceed with caution.

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Holy smokes, as far as Cobra whump goes, this movie was a real smorgasbord. He was kicked, beaten unconscious and kidnapped, tortured - like, they went surprisingly far with that! - and on top of that there was the emotional whump too because a big part of his gang turned against him, preferring to give in to Kuryu instead of standing up against them, his guilt over not saving Smokey, his helplessness over how to defeat Kuryu... Ah-mazing!

But my favorite moments were when Cobra faced the big bads, first Yoshitatsu Zenshin who went all, "I like you. I'll remember your face!" and then later on Kurosaki Kimitatsu who even went as far as asking Cobra to join their side! Their meet-up in the underground garage at the end was *chef's kiss* I loved how Kurosaki was all, "You survived, after all!" and it actually looked like he didn't mind all that much that Kuryu was beaten because he really didn't seem to like the direction their company went in under Iemura and their henchmen.

Also, I loved how all the things from the drama and the previous movies actually came to a head and all the loose ends and all the hints dropped were connected. That was some real smart writing that showed that they put a lot of thought into the actual story!

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Light, but not lightweight

The story tells the tale of two openly gay Korean friends, Haneul and Bongshik, and what happens over the course of a few months after Haneul breaks up with his partner of 3 years and moves in with his friend. Accordingly, the story does address several issues that most gay men could relate to, the most of which are very common themes, maybe too common, in other gay films. However, the screenwriter managed to keep it refreshing, by including jokes, puns and showing different aspects of the characters' lives. So, while I think some of the themes were already better discussed in other films, what makes this film stand out is how accurately it portrays human lives - sometimes full of conflicts and drama, sometimes light and fun, and sometimes a combination of them all.

The acting is one of the strong points of the film, and in my opinion all actors played their characters perfectly and realistically.

I watched it during a film festival event, but I would watch it again probably as soon as it's released with English subtitles (if only just to screenshot the Chungha reference)

9/10

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A great idea, but something was missing.

It was a good short production with a great story. I absolutely loved the metaphor at the end. However, the show didn't feel as flushed out as I would have liked. Not because of the open ending (which I think had a good purpose and significance), but rather their relationship development. If it was a matter of time that kept the producers from making this a longer series, then they could have cut some of the basketball scene at the beginning and added a segment where we see them talking about themselves at a table or something. Because the majority of their scenes made them seem like they were a casual fling, but the seriousness at the end didn't match up.

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Reviewing A Classic In Retrospect; Kore-eda’s Philosophical Experiment…

Looking back in retrospect ‘ After Life’ ( 1999) is one of those movies which few Asian film enthusiasts know about unless they’ve been told or stumbled upon it before. Admittedly it’s understandable as to why ‘ After Life’ is often buried in the past- it’s heavy-going and arguably slightly dated within its filming techniques and appearances, but there’s also something oddly distinctive about director Kore-eda's approach to the movie.

The premise is simple enough: what happens after death. However contrary to a heavenly or a hellish after place which exists in so many other religions, Kore-eda a takes a visionary approach to the afterlife where the dead stay in a house for a week and are given the choice to hold onto one memory out of all others to preserve as they enter the afterlife. Over the film’s duration length capturing just one week in this mystical plane, 22 recently deceased mortals visit the lodge each with their own stories to tell and problems to face.

Kore-eda recalled that during the screenwriting process he was inspired by the crucial importance of memories during the onset of his grandfather’s Alzheimer’s, leading him to become curious about ideologies and views of individuals. This process led him to interview reportedly more than 500 individuals about their experiences and which are embellished throughout the film.

However whilst the storylines present interesting food for thought from a teenage girl who wants to relive her experiences at Disneyland ( before choosing something more personal after an epiphany), an old libertine who decided to choose a surprisingly sentimental memory and others choosing simple daily pleasures ( such as a bus ride) in different seasons, ‘ After Life’ often struggled to tackle these experiences in more sentimental depth. This is mainly because whilst there are many intriguing characters, there’s little time to actually give them screen time to be explored more thoroughly.

Throughout the duration of the move there are only three characters onscreen to be given dominant screen time; Ichiro Watanabe (Taketoshi Naito), a 70-year old businessman who died in the wake of an unsatisfactory life of menial work , and his afterlife guardians , Takashi Mochizuki (Arata) and Shiori Satonaka (Erika Oda). Whilst later revelations provide a climatic ( and then anti- climatic) revelation towards a shared link between Takashi and Watanabe, the build-up and resolution often lacked a more intriguing drive to viewers due to its slow pacing being intertwined with its shared other residents onscreen .

Of course this isn’t to bring down ‘ After Life’ entirely as in addition to its more philosophical and profound themes found in the storyline, Kore-eda is a masterful planner with the film’s cinematography also. Enlisting the talents of Yamazaki Yutaka ( who had previously won awards for his artistic filming in documentaries) through shooting on a 16 mm film as well as famous photographer Sukita Masayoshi in flashback sequences through a 8 mm, and 16 mm film in monochrome, ‘ After Life’ is visually memorable. Minimalistic filming techniques of snow, long empty halls and unoccupied rooms present a great contrast to the clever representation of the modern Japanese way station through limbo to the afterlife ; a reflection of the inescapable and fascinating mundane reality of the afterlife. Just as the rest of the film offers profound moments and should be counted by interpretation, the ending offers a reflective experience also.

So what is left to take from ‘ After Life’ ; is it a movie worth watching or is is overly dull and pretentious? ‘ After Life’ is a movie which even for the most erudite viewer is borderline mind-numbing at times with slow burn dialogue and cinematography dominating screen time. Of course this isn’t to say that the film is bad or unwatchable. Director Kore-eda’s imagination is reflected throughout the film’s palettes and concept, with poignancy reflected in each memory, as well as deeper questioning as revelations to come light. By far more intriguing food for thought than entertaining or exhilarating, ‘ After Life’ is not an easygoing movie and will likely not be to everyone’s personal tastes or likes. However those willing to delve into the film’s philosophical experiments and experience, will likely commend the film for being an intriguing piece of Japanese film history.

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I cried.............

I haven't been writing in a while but this film sets out just the right mood to write a review. Perhaps I’ll start to write reviews on series/dramas again because of this film (If you are wondering, yes, it’s THAT good).

If you are reading this review because you are still contemplating whether or not to watch it, I suggest you to stop wasting your time and go ahead and watch it. My only regret is that I didn't watch this drama when it was first released.

To be honest, I had the intention of watching this movie because of the BL moments (which in my opinion, is very subtle and not as straight-forward as you’d expect it to be). But like I said, I have no regrets watching it because it just blew my mind away. The plot is very intriguing and interesting. It’s not a cliche at all. I had some predictions when I first watched the movie but sadly, none of my predictions were right (kudos to the director for keep on making surprises for the audience).

I am truly amazed by how the film portrays the character Se Jun, to the point that I pity him for getting caught in his obsession and uncontrollable desire. Most of his actions were accidental, driven by his anger, jealousy and lust. It wasn’t obviously stated but you can easily deduce that Se Jun really has a strong feeling towards Yoon Jae; he even bursted out at the end of the movie, not what I expected from the dependable Se Jun.

This movie is just sad (in a good way); it makes the audience start having a lot of what ifs and could have beens. It’s just so good that it made me want to know what would’ve happened if Yoon Jae picked up the calls or if Se Jun was being direct about his feelings. I just wished it had a happy ending, but then again, if that’s the case then it wouldn’t have left me in this state.

Believe me, it’d take weeks for me to completely move on and accept the ending. During that period, people would just have to bear with me telling about how good this film is and how it’s worth every minute of your time to give it a watch. I’d definitely recommend a rewatch (I might just be doing that in the nearest time to really get into the feelings of the characters).

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A slowly growing madness that engulfs you—

“A Page of Madness” is an artistic endeavor of 1926. Staying true to it’s title, it really is a page of madness.

The story takes place inside an asylum. At first it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, and everyone is just acting mad, but then you realise that slowly everyone is getting sucked into this madness. By the time realised that I was engrossed in the moving shades, the movie had almost come to a close and there was the final twist which established the fact that they were all quite mad.

I didn’t quite understand what they were trying to do but they were pushing something that was unconventional in the time that this was filmed. The movie was exceptionally artistically horrifying, it really plays with your mind sometimes. I was lost in the beautiful hypnotic dance that didn’t seem to belong to any sane realm.

If you’re wondering whether you should watch this movie then let me just say that it is quite a gift to be able to watch a creation from 1926 in this year (2021 for me), at 1080p resolution. So just go for it! It is more of a psychological horror and looks like something out of a painting.

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Dylan Sprouse was what made me want to watch, the movie itself kept me watching . . .

I had been eagerly waiting to watch this movie ever since I had heard of and saw the the trailer not once but three times even.
I found it so refreshing to have an American actor that I had grown up watching (Suite Life on Deck) included in this production and I must commend him on his efforts and how well he portrayed his character it made me happy to see him speak mandarin.
I did quite enjoy this movie and although having never heard of the supposed opera it is based off, I found myself very much fascinated and besotted with the storyline. It was intriguing the way the story played out and I was stunned by the mesmerising visual effects which I was very impressed with especially the way the bracelets fused with her skin and how vibrant the fireworks were. It was also quite nice that it was more of a reversed damsel in distress as well, the amount of times she ended up saving him :D
I enjoyed the couple pairing and would have liked to have seen a bit more of them together after they had come to realise the truth and that were in fact on each others side all along having been innocent children at the time of the disaster cause.
Although the ending was somewhat obvious and to be expected it was still slightly unfortunate but it didn't leave me too disheartened as he continued onwards to achieve his dream.
To be honest I must have been too much into the movie as I didn't pay all that much attention to the music, oops, but I certainly enjoyed those that were cast for their roles very much and wouldn't mind at all watching it again if I got bored one evening.

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I'm not kidding you, just watch it

This movie was an unexpected god sent. I was on a dorama and movie slump of mildly entertaining movies until I chanced upon this. I was scrolling through Tamashiro Tina’s credits and let me say; I’m very much blown away. Even with the edge that Tamashiro often brings to her movies, this movie is definitely one of her best projects. Eventhough the movie starts of unassuming, even then it has excellent production quality. It looks like a theatrical production even from the get go. It simply just gets more vibrant and more addictive as the movie set branches out into this punk rock eye candy diner restaurant that Bombero runs. I took intermittent pauses watching this and I was still drawn to Bombero and Tina and all the other characters that made this movie picturesque.

All the actors, Tamashiro, even the supporting characters were outstanding in this. Its just how magical and mystical this movie is. The OST is FANTASTIC. My gosh, the only movie I have given a 10/10 for music/OST. The upbeat moments were paired with ecstatic music and the more action packed ones had background tracks which got my heart pumping. Let me say this is one of the few movies that made me actually happy at the end from the reaction pov.

As for the plot, blown away. How can a movie be this addictive is so many aspects? I just wanna rewatch it as I am typing out this review, given that I’ve literally just finished it. Highly highly (I cannot stress enough) recommended. A layered movie that has no nonsense yet balances between being complex yet not convoluted and leaves you highly entertained. What are you doing still reading this, just watch it!

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The world won't change if you die but I might change a little bit

I've put this drama on hold for a long time.
This is not one of those japanese movie or drama that I usually enjoy but I like thos movie just fine.

The ML I could describe him as a disillusioned young man who became curious of the FL who seems to want to die but also shows some signs of wantong to live on.
Their story is quote intresting and touching. He gave her the will to live at a cost. I wish they dod not have such an ending.

The cute girl and her best friend. Not that I could relate to the cute girl but I understand her need for a relationship she grew up lonely. Her best friend is her pillar of support. I think their part of the story is not that developed though.

Lastly we have the the girl who likes a guy whose not into her but eventually gives in and likes her back. This one is a bit fluff but like the other two stories it has depth.

The acting was fine.
The osts are just okay nothing remarkable or memorable for me.

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a fairytale with a sinister twist

PLOT 8/10

Koharu's objective was already clear right from the movie: to be a mother she never had. This was the very base of her character and her own weakness as it would be later used against her. On one unfortunate night where she almost lost everything she had, she found everything she was looking for: a prince who will save him from being poor and an instant daughter to fulfill her maternal dreams. And they lived happily ever after...NOT.

This was perhaps Tsuchiya Tao's best performance up to date. While she is expectedly good in dark and heavy roles, she was just perfect as Koharu. She was the perfect cinderella: excellently portraying a person with a sorrowful past but still has a good heart, although has a tendency to grab on the first light she sees after years of what might feel like crawling through a long, dark tunnel...too bad for her, turned out that light was just an illusion. Her dream family turned out to be a crazy trap. Tao was specially amazing at showing how her character went through a cognitive dissonance; just by her eyes, you can clearly feel her confusion and struggle to do the right thing but ended up falling short.

The ending was quite predictable to me since Koharu already declared that she would do ANYTHING for her family...maybe I just didn't expect it would be that drastic, it was funny to think about it to be honest.

ACTING 10/10

Everyone was fantastic! Tao was the perfect Koharu, Kei was as usual excellent when it comes to strange roles, and Coco was really good for someone who acted for the first time and with such a heavy role. The chemistry between the characters really match; the dynamics makes so much sense that you'll understand how their characters developed 'til the end.

DIRECTION 6/10

Now this is where I'm having a bit of a problem with. While the cinematography and the music are very appropriate, it's how the scenes were pieced together that I felt fell flat. I do understand that they might be going for a fairytale kind of pacing where it starts slow then suddenly whimsically fast, they must've forgotten that this was also supposed to be a suspense/thriller which needs a proper build up and then a sudden blow up. I just didn't find that in that movie.

OVERALL 8/10
Like from all fairytales: DON'T GET MARRIED TO FAST! Lol Kidding aside, despite the points for improvement, Aishu Cinderella is still a good watch even with Tsuchiya Tao's performance alone. A lot to think about parenting and having a family.

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This story is like slice of life, the story might be feel slow for who doesn't like it. But to me it's perfect pace, Kaori's who battling with her ill and with her unstable condition make it worse for her. From what I see, she might got harassing in the past. How her behave make me more convincing about it.

Misaki also battling with her life, who's still unemployed when her age nearly 40, not only that she's also need to take care of her mother who is sick. Misaki's mother act nasty towards her, always say something appropriate and make comparison toward other people around her. Misaki's always try her best to take care of her mother's, but in the end Misaki burst it like water balloons. She's tired to get bad treatment from her mother who doesn't appreciate her effort.

Misaki and Rin feel guilty about Kaori's dying. They feel they should come when Kaori's call not to give excuse to not to go. Kaori's felt lost when everyone ignore her, she feel she lost in this battle. Without them Kaori's cannot breath, they're like companion who always stay together. When Kaori's abruptly died, it make Misaki broken. She (Misaki) didn't see the end of her friend life would be this suddenly. The pain for Misaki to face this reality is to hard, Misaki always dazed after she lost her friend. The negative though that she had is hard to escape.

Maryam is like bring peace to the family, she's take care of Mitsuko's so well. Even at first Mitsuko didn't like it and always accusing her as a bad person. But Maryam always patient with her.

I'm still curious who sent a death threat to Misaki, did Misaki did it by herself. I think I will rewatch it for more understanding.

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