Heavenly Forest (2006)

I started the movie with absolutely no expectations so you could say I was somewhat pleasantly surprised. I think the best part of Heavenly Forest was definitely all those beautiful visuals and photography especially those taken in the forest ( i mean duh) . I was watching relatively darker dramas and movies earlier on, so all those beautiful shots of scenery really was refreshing to see.

Ah and boy did I enjoy the chemistry between Makoto and Shiziru. For starters it wasn't a passionate burning 'I can't live without you' sort of love at all. It was a friendship like romance and all of their conversations just seemed so real and flowed so naturally in a way you could just tell that they made a perfect pair. Shy and awkward Makoto with adorable and eccentric Shizuru. That being said it was kind of a pity that Makoto was was so oblivious about his own feelings for Shizuru for like 85%, really leaving a lot of room for regret for both himself and viewers .

One thing I was disappointed was with, was the lack of explanation about Shizuru's condition because that caught me off guard with how little sense it made. I still have no idea what the explanation that they gave in the movie was about and it even made it seem a little stupid.

Other than that I'd say this was a nice, slow-paced film. I'm sure the visuals contributed, but it had this really relaxing vibe about it that made me feel like I was on holiday. Hopefully I'd rewatch it one day when I'm in the mood for a chill sort of movie. Excluding the sad parts of course :(

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The movie showcases Aoi Miyazaki portraying probably her dorkiest character to date in Shizuru, the runny-nosey nerd who follows Tamaki Hiroshi’s character Makoto around first as a curiosity, then gradually as an enduring friendship. The charisma between the two actors is terrific, and at once you know the two misfits are made for each other, and find yourself hoping they will realize it themselves!

Despite having the perfect (albeit flawed) girl right in front of him, Makoto only has eyes for classmate Miyuki, and really, who can blame him? As played by gorgeous actress Kuroki Meisa, Miyuki is the total embodiment of unattainable pretty, that holy-grail-ish purity a la John Hughes movies, and when she actually gives Makoto the time of day, no one can fault him for developing tunnel vision for her!
Of course, anyone with a heart knows that Makoto will only find true happiness with nerdy Shizuru, and I think that’s saying something for how lovable Miyazaki’s character is that I found myself yearning for her, and getting irritated whenever Miyuki entered the picture!

Only in a situation like this would I be more attracted to a gal like Shizuru over a delicious babe like Miyuki, but that’s just how it happened! The movie is just crammed full of great characters, and the forest backdrops where Shizuru and Makoto go to take photographs and forget their troubles are almost surreal, like they’ve wandered into painted pictures! All these elements made for a very solid story, and I found that even weeks after I’d watched it, I just couldn’t get it out of my mind. I’d be walking about, right as rain, when I’d suddenly think about the show and become melancholy!

The story of the two nerdy students, the romantic triangle with the “pretty” student, and the “heavenly forest” they escape to, will leave a mark on you, no question about it! Like dramas like Summer Snow, you’ll find yourself thinking about it for years to come!

A story about friendship, love, and the impact we have on each others lives.

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I loved this film, and have watched it a number of times over the years. I don’t want to give anything away if you haven’t seen the film yet, but generally, this film beautifully captures the sense of mono no aware, the pathos of impermanence. I suspect everyone knew someone like Shizuru when they were freshman in college (at least if they were lucky they did). How many times over the course of your life will you return to those memories? The only thing I found a little difficult to believe was that Makoto fell for Miyuki initially. Seriously, I would have been hopelessly smitten from the first time I met Shizuru at the crosswalk. ??

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This is such a heartfelt, beautifully told and executed movie. I am so glad I decided to watch it despite the little reviews.

I first happened across this movie on here and saw that one review said to WATCH IT NOW. Just finished it and don't know how I have lived without seeing this movie. I absolutely love this movie, the storyline was something I didn't predict and the way it was carefully weaved together to have emotional impact on the viewer was genius. I especially loved the photography shots they were breathtaking (props to whoever took the photos. The actors/actresses were cast so nicely for each other. I can't believe this does not have more reviews because it is my favorite Japanese movie now. I will definitely rewatch this movie many times.

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