As the heading say's, not a fan of these type of films. But the fact I was coming of after watching Swing Girls (2004) with the beautiful Juri Ueno. If you haven't seen Swing Girls, do yourself a favour and go find a copy of the film, It's one of the most joyous coming of age musical comedies you'll see. Ueno is the standout in that film, and the actresses has the comedy chops to back it up. So Rainbow Song was next on the list.
As a few have said this is more realistic take on romance, then the stereotypical Hollywood or even Asian fluff you get with Romantic films. Sure I won't say it doesn't have it's moment of cheesiness but this film, a bit like The Notebook, gets away with it cause of it's tight script and fantastic performances.
This is Juri Ueno's film all the way, she isn't in the film that long surprisingly (she's not in the first 20 minutes or good portion of the third act) but she makes sure Aoi's is a memorable and loveable character, and I do think the film is at it's strongest when Juri's is front and centre. The scene at the speed dating and the following scene on the bridge, if that doesn't have the eyes a bit watery then I don't know what will.
Hayato Ichihara as Tomoyo more then holds his own, and delivers a fantastic performance. At times you want to slap him cause he can't see how much Aoi loves him, but you can't help but feel for the guy by the end. The ending for me is a gut punch, Tomoyo forever haunted by the girl he let go. It's a true tearjerker moment that isn't overdone.
Also great to see Yu Aoi on a small role as Aoi's younger blind Sister (even though in real life Yu is only two months younger then Juri) and she leaves her mark, I was slightly worried they were going to have her as the new love interest but they didn't go that route. Also a shout out for Shoko Aida as Tomoyo's older girlfriend. maybe it's just me I actually felt for her even though she lied.
It's not perfect, It's shot a bit like a TV Movie, I think the film drags a little by the end and I'm not a big fan of the ending, I think Tomoko deserves a better ending. But watch this for Juri's Ueno's fantastic performance, aided by a great support cast.
As a few have said this is more realistic take on romance, then the stereotypical Hollywood or even Asian fluff you get with Romantic films. Sure I won't say it doesn't have it's moment of cheesiness but this film, a bit like The Notebook, gets away with it cause of it's tight script and fantastic performances.
This is Juri Ueno's film all the way, she isn't in the film that long surprisingly (she's not in the first 20 minutes or good portion of the third act) but she makes sure Aoi's is a memorable and loveable character, and I do think the film is at it's strongest when Juri's is front and centre. The scene at the speed dating and the following scene on the bridge, if that doesn't have the eyes a bit watery then I don't know what will.
Hayato Ichihara as Tomoyo more then holds his own, and delivers a fantastic performance. At times you want to slap him cause he can't see how much Aoi loves him, but you can't help but feel for the guy by the end. The ending for me is a gut punch, Tomoyo forever haunted by the girl he let go. It's a true tearjerker moment that isn't overdone.
Also great to see Yu Aoi on a small role as Aoi's younger blind Sister (even though in real life Yu is only two months younger then Juri) and she leaves her mark, I was slightly worried they were going to have her as the new love interest but they didn't go that route. Also a shout out for Shoko Aida as Tomoyo's older girlfriend. maybe it's just me I actually felt for her even though she lied.
It's not perfect, It's shot a bit like a TV Movie, I think the film drags a little by the end and I'm not a big fan of the ending, I think Tomoko deserves a better ending. But watch this for Juri's Ueno's fantastic performance, aided by a great support cast.