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Reviews
Mimi wo sumaseba (1995)
Studio Ghibli is incapable of making bad movies
The entire duration of this movie I felt like my heart had strings on it and somebody was very gently playing on them. From the visuals, to the story, this is just a beautiful movie. In my twenties, I did feel a bit old for the messages of finding one's own path and teen romance, but nevertheless, I felt warm inside the entire time. I feel like the cat in particular was supposed to represent how lost and directionless the Suzuki felt, and when she finally breaks in tears after finishing her story, the cat enters the house, as if its found its true home.
What stuns me is the gentleness of delivering the message and going about the story, it's all so soft, but it hits you all the same.
Perfect Days (2023)
The perfection of the mundane
Just a toilet cleaner, going about his daily life. Wakes up at the same time, brushes teeth, goes to work, visits the exact same places for food and drinks, bathes in the same bathhouse, uses the same laundromat, goes to the same bookstore, reads before bed, sleeps at the exact same time. Routine tasks he completes alone. There's a little bit of sadness, a bit of anger, frustration, a bit of joy, but ultimately peace and fulfillment after taking a huge breath of air that smells like rain in the morning and going through the same routine day after day. There's fulfilment in witnessing time go by, being a part of it- and every day, with all it's boring parts, with all the things that make us sad, happy, angry, lonely, lost- is ultimately perfect. Just like this movie.
Nun-mul-eui Yeo-wang (2024)
Up there, among the most grand Kdramas ever.
There is a certain air of magnificence that dramas like Crash landing on you and Descendants of the sun exhude (just two examples of the top of my head, there is more dramas like this)- and Queen of Tears has just joined the club. Though the drama contains some unnecessary cliches, overall the story is beautiful. If you liked the other two I mentioned, you certainly will like this.
The story is about a married couple in crisis, where the male lead Hyunwoo (Soohyun) can't stand his wife Haein's (Jiwon) nor her overbearing rich family. The problems and miscommunication arise in the "happily ever after" and this drama focuses on that, how despite being in love, we can forget it with the daily problems. The story starts when the male lead wants to ask for divorce, and the female lead discovers she's dying (this is not much of a spoiler, it happens pretty much right away).
Let me lead with the things I liked: Jiwon is standardly a good actress, yet I haven't watched much of Soohyun's stuff, mostly scared of overrepeating the cliches through dramas. But here, he is stellar. The range of emotions that he had to play in here, and the way he embodies Hyunwoo is incredible, I was honestly kind of annoyed at how good he is. He can probably act in anything and I will start going through his dramas and films with my eyes wide open.
I absolutely loved the way this was shot. Many times the focus shifts, or the angle to the scene shifts, and it adds so much perspective. The drawings at the end of every episode, occasionally cutting the screen into an old style format, or the sceneries- beautiful! There was one scene where Haein is in the elevator with Eunsong, and the camera focuses on the mirrors showing them looking in opposite directions, although they are looking at one another- such a great shot, it remained in my mind despite watching that episode long ago.
I also loved the emotional scenes, it was never over the top, and it did make me cry and smile with the characters.
Things I did not like: We later find out that the male lead and the female lead accidentally met twice in the past already, but they didn't know. This trope of "met in the childhood" is really annoying, and it keeps repeating throughout dramas constantly. All characters, again, have so many connections, as if the whole country is no bigger than their mansion.
Second, I'm a bit tired of overly perfect characters, like Hyunwoo. Oh he just happens to be handsome, intelligent, honest, kind, selfless, attractive, a lawyer, an ex marine who was great at shooting, but also in kids marines group, but also he used to box and got an award for it? Oh and did I say handsome? Luckily Soohyun gives phd-worthy performance, otherwise I'm pretty sure I'd leave the series after the second episode.
On that note, this guy is aging like fine wine, and I'm talking highest primest quality french basement save for special occasions type. God bless.
I also have a lot to say about pure-evil characters and how some things that happened did not make sense- but this is such a good drama that I'd rather leave it at that. It just made me feel so good and entertained watching it, and all the cliches and inconsistencies did not change my mind. I think the best word to describe this drama is "grand". It deserves 8-9 rating at the very least, 1 star down because, well, the cliches and incosistencies. But it's great still.
Doctor Slump (2024)
Fun, but why is everyone drunk all the time
I am now on the twelfth episode. The series is fun, but honestly very overrated because the main cast is super popular. Otherwise, I don't think there is much that makes this series special. The main couple is alright, I don't think they have that much chemistry. However, I really liked the way they comfort eachother and are helping one another with mental health.
Both characters suffer from mental health disorders, and I find the portrayal of mental health issues to be somewhat a trend in nowadays' kdramas. I especially like that this one takes on the topic of overachieving and forgetting to live in the character of Haneul (even if the way they present this is over the top- the girl eating instant coffee powder to not have to use the restroom is ridiculous).
The main couple is fun, and so is the side couple. It's an excellent comfort series, but there is not much to write home about.
One thing though: heavy drinking is shown in every episode. Every single one. Not that I'm against drinking, but the fact that every single character has gotten blackout drunk at least once is kind of concerning. Not sure if this represents Korean society or what, but it's a bit much.
Der Fall Jens Söring - Tödliche Leidenschaft (2023)
Interesting, but...
This docu is quite good at showing exactly what the criminals are thinking, how they're trying to save themselves in court. I really appreciate the amount of courtroom recorded videos shown throughout the episodes.
If you end the series thinking it's one-sided, you're not watching it correctly. The documentary shows two truly intelligent people, not necessarily cunning intelligent, but capable of mixing lies with the truth to the extent to make you confused and doubt yourself. They're both saying half-truths.
The docu omits some crucial evidence, like: at the beginning of the series, the officers say somebody has showered at the crime scene- which later never appears in the testimonies of the criminals; they both talk about room service, but this piece of evidence is missing; they talk about attending a show, and it's unclear who exactly saw the show. It's a weird sequence of missing information.
It doesn't exactly matter, as I see enough evidence that they are both guilty. There is no doubt they have both planned this. Just the fact how they travel around the globe evading justice is enough of a proof, along with their disturbing toxic letters. Who's telling the truth, it doesn't really matter. They're both guilty, even if one of them did not draw the knife.
Doctor Cha (2023)
This is a gem.
First of all, I have to specify that this drama targets a slightly older demographic: women in their 50s, 60s- however, it can very comfortably be watched by everyone. Still it speaks the most to women, especially married women in more patriarchal societies.
It's a story of a mother of two who, after a near-death experience, turns her life around. A housewife of 20 years, she decides to go back to medical profession and soon realizes her husband is a narcissistic liar and a good-for-nothing ****bag.
There is many frustrating moments in the drama, as Dr Cha navigates the new circumstances. I got annoyed so many times that she doesn't simply cut the cord with everything that's dragging her down- but I'm soon lead to realize that people are much more difficult to deal with. Even when her kids decide to hide big secrets from her, at first I'm annoyed, but soon I understand them. In the last two episodes you even feel some sympathy to the husband and the mother in law.
People are colorful and not pure evil or pure good, and many times they make bad decisions- this drama relies very much on that. The entire sequence of events is so very realistic. Most heart-warming interactions in the drama are non-romantic, human instincts of giving a hand or a word of comfort to those who need it. The entire drama reminded me of a saying "Homo homini lupus est", but turned into "Homo homini homo est".
Overall- this is a great drama, slice-of-life, human in all the mistakes, selfish and selfless acts characters make. It's a comforting weekend motivational type of a drama I'd especially suggest to women.
Nangmandakteo Kimsaboo (2016)
Romance between a human and life- A MUST WATCH.
This is very possibly the best Korean drama. The story follows an estranged surgeon Kim Sabu who works in a village hospital. He has a strong set of moral values and impressive skills that attract young doctors; he also 'picks up' those doctors that are discouraged or dishonored when he sees potential in them. Result: a brilliant team of doctors and nurses that work day and night to save lives.
The "romantic" in the title has very little to do with romance between couples, much more to do with romanticizing life and its meaning. Doctor Kim is romantic because he lives his life following his values and feelings, he saves his patients with his skills and feelings alike. It makes young aspiring talents gravitate to him. He gives them both comfort and knowledge- and fertile ground to grow.
Of course, there is a romance story- what kind of 'romantic life' doesn't have some romance in it. Story of Seo Woojin and Cha Eunjae is so well-paced and they feel so natural- super refreshing after so many stiff kdrama couples. However, this is a medical drama first, so romance scenes are not as prominent (an FYI for kdrama fans).
His pupils imitate this romance, each in their own way. My favorite story is that of doctor Seo Woojin in S2, who grew up without love, but then managed to find a fatherly figure in Kim, romance towards medicine as his calling, romantic partner in doctor Cha, and a full family in the rest of the staff. He had a lot of reasons to give up- but he doesn't- he carries his past trauma with such strength and gives himself a normal, healthy life.
Of course, one could say that all this is unrealistic, that people who live like this do not exist. I have to disagree- I met a few people like this. They are extremely rare gems that shine bright when it's the darkest, and they persevere, no matter what. It's an absolute privilege to witness people like that, both in real life, and in a drama.
Nae Nampyeongwa Gyeolhonhaejweo (2024)
I like this, and I don't even know why
I honestly had very little expectations for this, but it's surprisingly kept me interested so far. It's got comfortable pacing, nothing moves too fast or too slow. There is no dragging or overextending of emotional moments, it feels like everything is moving just right.
At the same time, I have to say I really dislike the tendency of kdramas to "justify" the main couple by throwing in flashbacks of how they've actually met before. Marry my husband joins other very good and prominent dramas with this cardinal cringy sin, which I completely dislike. I think it even takes away from the plot.
Otherwise, I really like and feel inspired by the storyline of having the second chance to do your life all over- and I really like that the main character does a full makeover physically and mentally. She questions her own past actions and decides she is going to fight for herself. She chooses to no longer be a pushover, and tries finding people who deserve her. I think it's really fitting to have this drama released in this day and age.
I heard it's a webtoon adaptation- I don't really know much about the webtoon so I can't comment on how well it was adapted. Regardless, the drama stands pretty well on its own, in my opinion.
Spinning Out (2020)
Absurdly high rating-avoid this.
This has to be one of the worst shows I have watched in the previous years.
Figure skating world is very interesting and drama-worthy, so I expected the show to have a lot of topics to explore. Be it concerns of career-ending injuries, mental health, overwork, vulnerability of minors to all kinds of exploitations, it truly is a well of topics. And this show tries to cover many of these, on that I can commend the writers.
However, the execution is just... the plainest, driest, most annoying show. The plot revolves around Kat (Scodelario), a once promising junior skater who struggles with PTSD and bipolar disorder and cannot start her senior career due to these. Kat, however, is the most unlikable main character I have ever seen. She stabs her best friend in the back, and every EVERY relationship she has with people around her revolves on: her being careless for others, and them staying with her and considering her "magical" on ice for some reason.
Her mother, who by the way looks way younger than her, is also struggling with bipolar. I cannot comment on this aspect, as I do not have much experience with the topic. However, most of their episodes are a bit over-the-top. It almost seems like all bad behaviors of Kat and her mother are portrayed as "excusable" because they struggle with their mental health, which is a strange choice.
The romance part is also very unbelievable. It seems like Kat doesn't care for Justin at all. He's a bit more believable, again, because he forgives her for whatever she does.
The only saving grace is Jenn, Kat's friend who truly behaves like a friend and supports her. Her career story is truly tragic and she's the only character you find yourself empathizing with. Dasha's story also could have been a great addition, but it was undeveloped in my opinion.
I would honestly not recommend this to anyone- especially not to figure skating fans who will find themselves extremely disappointed with the skating sections and the random decisions to implement elements minutes before a competition.
Istanbul Için Son Çagri (2023)
Last scene is the only good one in the movie.
This is the most wannabe romance movie I've ever seen. All the while predictable, with many tasteless scenes (like on the street when she is stopped by people, or the competition scene)- none of them brought anything to the plot at all. I liked the theme of struggle with marriage and career goals, it is very current and a problem for many nowadays.
Now tell me why, WHY, do the two actors who are famous for their chemistry in Aski Memnu have NONE here. How did the directors manage to do that is beyond me. Kivanc is a much better actor now than he used to be, but this project... he's too good to be there. Beren's way of speaking made me want to jump out my skin, it was so juvenile and unlikable. She's usually a good actress, I don't know what happened.
I disliked the majority of the movie, except for the very last scene- no, of course I'm not talking about the most cliche airport reconciliation scene- instead, at the very end, they are both laughing over a lost suitcase I presume. I loved that scene, it's so realistic how exasperated they are, and it's genuinely funny.
Overall: this is a classic romance cliche film, don't get your expectations high just because the cast is strong.
The Accountant (2016)
A wannabe larger-than-life.
I am just wondering what the casting director thought of when casting Anna Kendrick and Ben Affleck for this movie. Ben feels like he'll crack and say "whadup bro" every second. He keeps furrowing his eyebrows to look more serious I guess, but it looks like he's faking a headache to skip school. Anna Kendrick is just... well after she witnesses Chris (Affleck) shoot a man in front of her has this comical expression on her face, just plain bad acting.
While the story is interesting, it has this misunderstood genius cliche - add on top the neurodevelopmental disorder that makes him a genius - it's just quite an overplayed plot. A single man taking down a bunch of trained sturdy men is nothing short but communist-movie propaganda fantasy.
I have to say I did like the way they talked about neurodiversity. Still, I just cannot see what's so great about this move.
The Terminal (2004)
Very late to the party
This movie is just so great! It puts what we call comedy to shame, and at the same time has a heart-touching story behind it. More than anything, this is a story of human connection, friendship and dedication. The whole movie is nothing short but adorable.
The romantic story is short but also kind of pales in the comparison with the friendships that are developed. There's very little cliche, and even that pertains only to Viktor's dead father (main character sob backstory cliche). Honestly, I miss this kind of creativity, originality and backbone in films lately.
It's just kind of heartbreaking how unrealistic it is in today's context that people come to care about one another like that without expecting something in return.
Apollo 13 (1995)
Great movie, greater story
This is definitely a great depiction of the story. The human factor, tons of anxiety that can be felt off screen even if you know the story ends well, the sheer tension that is carried throughout the movie, especially the silent moments- this is just amazing storytelling.
I somehow wish the movie was longer and did not "skip" the days that much. I understand why this was done, as extending it might have made some people bored- but I think it could have had a more realistic impact on the viewers, on being in that situation and doing essentially nothing because there's nothing you can do (or waiting on instructions).
The true story in itself is so impressive, motivational and life-altering for many, and this movie definitely did justice to it. I won't comment much on the truth behind each moment- this movie's purpose was to depict the story of strength of human spirit, the power of knowledge, innovation and professionalism of so many people- and this movie tells that story very well.
Law School (2021)
This is really good.
This is a good drama, and one of the few that actually deserve that title. Good meaning not perfect, and not bad, but solid, grounded- good.
The story begins with a murder in the backroom of a mock court at prestigious university's law school. What follows is plot layered like an onion, we take a look at each character, their connections with the murdered person- and each person has their secrets. But does having secrets make them the killer?
But it's not enough, they have to prove everything in the court of law. It's not always easy, even if we all know they are right.
The characters each have their own fight, sometimes their interests intersect- but sometimes, they leave their best interest and help their friends. This, I would say, is the part I enjoyed watching the most. The student group especially, it was really heart-warming to see them leave their exams/duties to help their friends.
The chemistry between the characters is also really prominent. Mostly it's friendly chemistry, like the professor-student one, or the friend-friend one: when they communicate, you can really feel that they care for one another.
One of the students, JoonHwi, is showing a ton of romantic chemistry towards SolA, and in the last episode, she is returning that chemistry- although there is no development between them. This, in my opinion, brings a special charm.
Undefined relationships are fine, but the vagueness of the last scene did not impress me. I was immediately wondering where the rest of the students are. Sure, you guess the three are working on something together- but you remain curious of the nature of their relationship, and of everyone else.
My least favorite part: I cannot fathom how interconnected everyone is. Not a single side character that isn't in a web with at least two other characters, to the point where it's fantastical. You'd think the entire city is the size of a courtroom, everyone knows everyone. It's really taking away from the experience of watching it.
North & South (2004)
A true gem!
I have seen a lot of book adaptations, but this has to be among the best ones! The pace is just right, the actors are just right, the settings- everything is just sitting at the perfect sweet spot, just incredibly well done. Especially the main cast, I was honestly humbled by ever opening my mouth about "good actors" when people like this exist- people with this amount of talent, able to make it all look so natural and flow so well.
The story in itself is a clever play between societal struggle portrayal, the kind you only see in Russian classics, and romance typical to Austen's novels- and the mix of both is so charming, so on point.
Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
A cheesy romcom- but very much needed
This movie is the soapiest wattpadiest most juvenile romcom- but it's great. Think any romcom you've ever watched- this movie follows a very similar pattern to it.
I heard it's an adaptation of a novel, and it made a lot more sense as to why the side characters were never wholly developed- they were basically trying to squeeze an entire book into a relatively short movie.
But, this movie can stand on its own, without the novel. The most important part was the central relationship between the prince and the president's son, which was covered fairly well.
There's not much to write home about, really, other than my personal opinion: this movie, however cheesy it may be, was absolutely necessary for this day and age, both for the LGBTQ community and those who aren't a part of it. The fact that we are watching two men being into eachother seems to be adding more charm, even more the fact that neither of them is effeminate (as LGBTQ+ movies tend to portray gay/bi men this way). As far as representation goes, this movie absolutely nails it.
Ah-ga-ssi (2016)
Confusingly both a bad story and great movie?
This movie left me speechless, both for the quality that's woven into every second of it, and for the wattpad-dy story that it has. I have never seen a movie manage to be simultaneously both of those.
Circle of betrayal, abuse, heavy sexual content, a charged love story- this movie has it all. Every single second of the movie your eyes are stuck on the screen, it's every scene is incredibly attractive. The casting is nothing short of perfect.
However, the entire story feels like a work of a fanfiction writer, and it also feels like it was written by someone very young and inexperienced. I am not sure if it was intentional, though, the movie has left me very puzzled about that.
One warning: the movie is very erotic, so be careful with the setting should you decide to watch it.
Le silence de la mer (2004)
Kept me bewitched- WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!
I first stumbled upon Suite Francaise, then I saw this below just as a recommendation. I was hesitant as it was late and I had no time for another movie- but I stayed up for this and THANK GOD I DID.
This story of a French girl in an occupied France in WW2 and a German officer occupying her house and her deceased parents' bedroom is nothing but remarkable. The first half of the movie is relatively calm, grips your attention with a comfortable pace, but is milder than the second half.
In the second half of the movie, I was holding my breath subconsciously. Just as Jeanne was not able to constrict her emotions, so you, too, in front of the screen, feel her struggle.
The soldier, Werner, trying to talk to them every night was very interesting to me. He seems to have been trying to get some human touch out of the people he's living with, sharing his own turmoils, if with not so many words, but enough for us to realize that he is not simply a monster.
The love story is transparent, everpresent, restricted and fragile. It feels like my heart was being squeezed by clouds. I cannot tell you whether this movie has cinematic quality, or if it's worthy of any awards- but it is worthy of your time, for sure.
WARNING- Some spoilers below.
I absolutely love the pairing of the two scenes: when she sits to play the piano for the first time while Werner is in the house and it builds up to the explosion. Her frantic playing trying to save him, his eyes lighting up in wonder and hope, a minute of silence- he tries to leave, but she opens her eyes wide and stares at him with no restraint for the first time, and just minutes later- boom. He realizes right away what has happened. Stunning!
The fact that in the entire movie, she tells him only one word- only one, but even that word is not as impactful as their eyes.
Another thing I appreciate: people don't die of love, or lack thereof, and this movie is a great reminder of that. The flower pot as a symbol of resistance is a genius touch at the ending- both resisting the occupation and refusing to give up on life just because you love someone you will never see again. She never abandons her values, and I love it!
Suite Française (2014)
Love likes the impossible, but also accepts the impossible.
The movie takes place in a French town occupied by Germany in WW2. German soldiers are randomly assigned to houses, and so Lucille and her mother in law get a well-mannered officer Bruno who comes with a dog. Lucille and Bruno develop an absolutely impossible romance, one that clenches your heart yet with every breath they take, you feel the hopelessness of their love and you accept it.
The entire time during the movie, it felt like Bruno's and Lucille's hearts were talking to one another, simultaneously being restricted by barbed wires all around them. Even when they kiss, you feel that anything between them is absolutely impossible. Yet, even if you feel so, you are somehow at peace with that fact. Many times movies make you cry at impossible love, this one never gives you any hope.
I adored the way Bruno's character was portrayed. We see him playing with a dog, he is well-mannered with every step, a sort of a recluse, and a musician first, a soldier second. But we are not given the luxury to keep this innocent image of him: he performs his ruthless duty of a soldier, albeit with tears, but still performs it. Not for a second do you forget who he is, even if he's playing with his dog, playing the piano, being the most humane among soldiers- you still never forget that he is one of them.
Choosing Matthias Schoenaerts as Bruno was possibly the best casting decision of the 21st century. Matthias has in his face the characteristics and expressions both suited to a German soldier and a lovable musician. The layers of Bruno's character in the way he moves, the way he's presenting himself, the way he talks- when I saw him I was quite literally floored by how well he has done this!
The rest of the cast has also done a great job, Michelle and Kristin have also left noteworthy performances.
I have given two stars down because the film felt a bit slow to me. I have also watched a fair number of films with similar themes and this one feels like it belongs to the 7/8 ratings.
Bihter (2023)
It's not actually that bad.
This movie has a big disadvantage: it is an adaptation of a novel that has already been very successfully adapted.
The novel, Aski Memnu (literal translation: Forbidden Love) by Halit ZIya Usakligil, has been adapted into a tv series of the same name, only modernised, in 2008. This series was iconic at its time: while the episodes were airing streets of Turkey were empty, and the two lead actors were literally catapulted into super-stardom after this series.
It is, therefore, not a surprise that any other adaptation receives less favorable reviews. This movie and the main actress have been dragged way more than they should have been even before the movie premiered. The movie actually takes on a slightly different stance on the story, focusing way more on Bihter than on any other character, and also putting the story in a different time period. I found this adaptation to be alright.
If I really have to compare it to the series, I do prefer the series. But I still think this movie is undeserving of such a low rating. I found the story to be well told, with the theatrical nature to it. The only thing I disliked was Bihter talking to the screen every so often. Usually I'm not opposed to alternative choices in movie-making, but here it somehow did not speak to me.
The movie removes the desperate Bihter: she still turns mad, but she takes her madness with her and embraces it fully, instead of drowning in her desperation (the novel and the series have this desperation approach). The ending scene with Bihter's red dress dragging behind her is so beautiful I had to rewatch it multiple times.
Overall: this is really not as bad as people are making it out to be. It encompasses all the topics very nicely and the costumes and scene design is very satisfying to the eye. The movie should, however, be considered separately from the series, because they do not have the same approach to the original material.
Toririon gêmu (2023)
Senseless, lawless fun
Haru and Gaku are former classmates who meet after both have interviews at Dragon Bank, a major company in Japan. Haru is a great communicator, bluffing his way into and out of various situations, while Gaku is a computer geek and has zero soft skills. They develop a roadmap (read: a comic, absurdly-detached-from-reality wishlist) to gaining trillion dollars and conquering dragon bank.
The series makes absolutely no sense from multiple perspectives. Watching this you would think becoming a rich person is a board game. There is little reality behind the business decisions, and it's all moving super fast.
However, the series is also fun in an absurd way. It's extremely entertaining to watch the tide being pulled back and forth.
The series has little to no romantic interactions, but I have to give it to Meguro Ren and Imada Mio for their chemistry. The "chemistry" word is so overplayed that it barely means anything, but if anyone has it, these two do. When they stare at eachother you can cut the air between them with scissors. Their characters, however, keep the enemies/friends game, all for the sake of their businesses. I am honestly very happy that nothing ever happens between them- but they keep the playful and sometimes downright offensive manner to one another. Their scenes were super entertaining, and I wish I could have seen more.
Watashi no shiawasena kekkon (2023)
Very nice! (the light novels are better though)
As a big fan of the light novels, I have anticipated this movie for a long time.
The movie follows Kudou Kiyoka, a tsundere captain of a unit of gifted soldiers, and Miyo Saimori, a girl rejected by her family for not having a gift/supernatural ability. At the very beginning of the movie, we find out a marriage is arranged for them.
While the light novels, and even the anime, lean a lot more on Miyo's perspective, this movie dedicates almost equal attention to Miyo and Kiyoka. The movie also deviates from the original material, but I cannot be mad at it, for the added action greatly spices up the story, giving it a powerful climax point. The movie also adds the relationship between the soldiers as another arc, and a bigger emphasis is put on the friendship between them, and between Kiyoka and Prince Takaihito (in comparison to the anime). The movie encompasses light novels 1 and 2 of the series, where the central story is the one from novel 2, with significant changes to it. Arc from novel 1, Miyo's struggle with her family, is more of a side story, but it's given enough importance in my opinion.
While I appreciated the changes in the plot for the sake of keeping the movie's flow, the movie was moving fast. Like, very fast. It made me think it should have been a series instead, because it seemed like they were rushing through the material. In comparison, the love story was quite slow, which was kind of helping slow down the entire movie.
While the anime has a lot of pink undertones, this movie is full of earthy colors, realistic settings, so it feels kind of grounding. The scene of exposing the burial grounds is absolutely beautiful, and I really enjoy the creative choices that were made, especially the marks that appear on the skin of gift users.
Imada is absolutely adorable as Miyo, and Meguro is quite dashing as Kiyoka. However, in some scenes, his wig was fighting for its life. They have very nice, comfortable chemistry. Meguro's Kiyoka is more awkward than the novels, and Imada's Miyo has a bit more of a backbone and is more open in expressing her affection for Kiyoka by the end. My favorite scene is the one where he compliments her cooking- the way his face changes and he squirms after she cries, you can tell he is deeply affected.
Two stars down for the questionable speed of the story. I am also not sure if watching this without knowing anything about the original material would even make sense. I think it's ok to make movies based off of anime/manga/light novels, but I am still unsure whether this should have been a series instead. It also seems like they plan to make a part two, because they left the ending open.
Im Westen nichts Neues (2022)
WARNING: this movie is HEAVY.
At first, it's not so bad. You can tell that bad things are about to happen, but you're still holding on. And then, despair comes. Despair, hopelessness, some anger at meaninglessness of everything that's happening- that has happened to so many people, disbelief as young men-young lives drop like flies, and are then discarded like trash.
Mud, blood, bodies, there is not a single one of your senses that is spared. It felt like a piece of that old bread they were chewing was stuck in my throat, and it got even worse when I would see the officials in their spotless homes, full tables and round bellies, discussing for how many hours is it okay to leave people to die.
Even when you connect to characters in the movie, there is no mercy, on them or on you. Who doesn't die physically, dies very early inside.
There is nothing pretty about this, or about war, and this movie did a masterclass worthy job of showing it.
Akazukin, tabi no tochû de shitai to deau. (2023)
Wonderfully creatively ridiculous, and I love it!
This one is a twisted take on Cinderella and Red Riding Hood fairytales, with a detective true crime story.
It is quite a weird one I must say, full of these deadpan attempts to be funny and ending up not being funny at all- but it's still enjoyable for no good reason.
One huge plus though, the creativity in this is immense. The COSTUMES, let me tell you, those costumes are STUNNING, and the color of the movie is just a feast to the eyes!
I would say to watch this one if you have nothing better to do, but want to watch something easy and comfortable. No search for deeper meanings, no explosion- just comfort and lightness. But isn't that something we all need once in a while?
El cuerpo en llamas (2023)
Predictable, but ok.
The series takes a real life case "Caso de la Guardia Urbana" and dramatizes it, adding and subtracting details to captivate the viewers. I am not sure what I feel about a real crime being dramatized to such an extent, but the series does its best in not insulting the victim, so I guess it can pass.
The series, as the title goes as well, is about a burnt body of a police officer, Pedro Rodrigues, found in his car outside the city. Pedro's current partner, Rosa Peral, is the main protagonist of the story, and we see many other characters involved in what seems like her own web of lies, manipulation, relationships, betrayal.
If it were a novel, it would be a mandatory beach read for women in their 30-40s, I feel. And the series targets its audience very directly too. I found it entertaining, if a little predictable. Even if I didn't know of the real case before, I found that I could predict the sequence of events.
I found the acting to be very good, I especially admired Ursula Corbero in this role. They chose to represent Rosa Peral as a master manipulator, and Ursula has managed to depict this really well.
Since it was representing a real event, it could not deviate as much from the real course of events, I imagine. Still, it did not get me stuck to the screen or dying to see the next episode. The series is good, that's it. Would I recommend it? Maybe, but not to everyone. And it won't be the first to mention either.