Naze Shoujo wa Kioku wo Ushinawanakereba Naranakatta no ka? (2014)

Story: It touches on a sensitive topic in our current age of technology and increased focus on identifying and helping those with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Though the entire film centers around these problems, the approach is still subtle in a way where the message to the viewer is firm but not preachy or PETA-esque. I think if you are even mildly intrigued by the plot, I highly recommend that you watch it. On the other hand...

Acting/Cast: Our main man, Yamapi (Yamashita Tomohisa) has done it again. He's not a bad guy but his acting is just so flat...I don't even know how to describe it, because his tone and intonation are there, but his face, body language...just somehow doesn't line up with the words that are coming out of his mouth. However, the lead child actress is an absolute delight.

Music: Nothing noteworthy.

Rewatch Value: I don't rewatch anything really, so I'm giving it a middle value of 5. Sorry if that's not particularly helpful.

Overall: A good film to pick for its bravado in addressing the societal and familial problems occurring today. Execution was fairly good. If the story does not interest you, don't watch it just because Yamapi is in it because you will be disappointed u_u

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I liked this special so much more than I thought I would, which is ridiculous because I actually love psychological stories so I should have known I would love it. I'm not sure what I was expecting.

The plot doesn't go in the direction you originally think it will, although I'm naturally suspicious so I was already wondering if my suspicions were right, and they were. But it's not an obvious plot twist, so it will probably catch most folks off guard.

Despite being a huge Yamapi fan there are still so many of his dramas I haven't seen yet, so I'd never seen him play opposite a child actor before where they both have leading roles. Their chemistry was spot on! This little girl was absolutely remarkable, and she and Yamapi connected strongly in their characters, making the relationship of psychologist and patient very real and empathetic. It was never creepy, just always in a protective, parental type of way, which is what I was hoping for, and what it gave me.

Psychology, the study of the human mind and its motivations, always intrigues me. So for me, this special is a solid 8 because of the story it told and because of the solid performances by all the actors, every last one, not just Yamapi.

On a totally random note, Yamapi wasn't as bulked up here as I've gotten used to seeing him. So that was kinda nice. Not that I don't love him muscled and everything, but he was definitely slimmer here.

It might not have a high rewatch value for most folks, but I've rewatched "Criminal Minds" countless times, so I know that I'll rewatch this. It's just the way my brain works. I wish I could get my hands on a subbed copy of the parent story! I've got the raw downloaded, but no subtitles anywhere. I dread the thought of doing it myself, but we'll see.

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