This review may contain spoilers
Laudable Story
I've always loved watching Japanese films. They offer a variety of genres and so far I can't name any movie that failed my taste. I've got a long list of favorites and this movie happens to be one of them. This would be the 4th time I've watched it and it still gives me that same feeling, as if it's the first time I've seen it.STORY: 10/10 I like how diverse this movie is. It talks about the hardships that gay couples go through, the relationship of a workaholic mother and her young child, an accepting society, the negative effects of divorce on a child, and acceptance of one's true sexuality. I like how this movie used the innocence of a child to show the right thing. The time when Sora told Shun that there's nothing wrong with a guy liking a guy and that moment when she asked Nagisa to apologize to her mother for being selfish on her behalf, how she assured Nagisa that if he apologizes it would be accepted and they can live happily again. HIS made you feel all the emotions that you can feel. The realistic nature of this movie is overwhelming and precise to what's happening in the world. I know how hard it was for Nagisa to decide on letting his wife take custody of Sora however his reason was admirable. No matter what happened though I was happy to see the ending. Divorced couples with extended families can still share the responsibilities of raising a child with love and proper guidance.
ACTORS/CAST: 10/10 The actors did a fine job in portraying their roles. Their acting was so good that even if there were no lines you could still feel their emotions based on the way they move and their facial expressions. Sotomura Sakura (Sora) stole my heart multiple times in this story. This little girl's acting is so good it can melt your heart in an instance. There are no awkward moments. The chemistry between Miyazawa Hio (Shun) and Fujiwara Kisetsu (Nagisa) is undeniable. A simple look, a simple nudge makes you feel that they are indeed a couple. I particularly love the scene where their foreheads were together. There were no words uttered but that moment was incredible. All of the actors in this movie are commendable from the small sweet girl to the old man who told them to be who they are. The cast did extremely well.
MUSIC: 10/10 The musical score of this movie is just right for the scenes where it was added to. Pleasant and soothing to the ears which adds to the magic of the movie.
REWATCH VALUE: 10/10 Whenever I'm at odds with my children's fathers and with my family, I watch this movie and it gives me peace. So, yeah, perfect rating and not to forget this is the 4th time I'm watching it and I'll watch it over and over again.
OVERALL: 10/10 This movie made me realize a lot of things as a single mother and as an individual, because of that I rated this movie 10/10. The fact that this movie made me reflect on my life as a mother is exceptional. How a young girl was able to make people change the way that they're thinking is praiseworthy. This girl at a young age was able to see the good instead of the bad. That there is still a society that wasn't "void of kindness". And as the old woman said we should live proudly. Be true to ourselves and accept who we are.
ON THE FUNNY SIDE: This movie has challenged me to break eggs using one hand only.
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Good Enough
There were some points that made the movie "His" a beautiful film to watch, but there were also many others that slowed it down.The main factor that works brilliantly for the story is the cinematography. The rural scenary, along with the action taking place in a small community, while the one of the male leads, Shun, is living a quiet, agricultural life, in addition to the slow pace of the story, all enabled the film to master the spot on right atmosphere for the drama that was going to present.
The love story, on the one hand, was pretty intense, sad and with just enough twists. Honestly, I haven't watched the prequel series, which, as I'm informed, was more lighthearted and opting for a more youthful and cute look. This movie, though, was edging more on the dramatic side, flirting with the subjects of social obligation, homophobia, abandonment and social isolation. Those themes, along with the atmosphere that was managed to be created, worked nicely for the love story. However, Nagisha was an endearing character to like. He was presented as a victim most of the time, but his actions were more on the selfish side when it came to his lover (he decides to show up unannanounced after years of seperation which he had enforced on Shun) or his ex wife (though one can't really sympathize with her easily). But, he does manage to redeem himself in the end.
On the other hand, especially on the second half, the movie deepened more into the family drama. The story focuses on the trial between the two exes for the custody of the daughter and things get out of hand. The lawers take the main part of the screentime, attacking the two parents with arguements that didn't seem to work. For example, the mother's lawyer could easily have pointed out that Nagisha doesn't have a home of his own and, thus, he might not suitable for full custody. Alas, he opted to stick with his sexual preferenced, even when things didn't seem to be working for him.
Another annoying factor was the presentation of the ex wife. Edging the lines of bias, she was shown as the one who was capable of hurting the child, while she was more into her job than caring for her daughter. She even had a drunk insident. At this point, Nagisha's reasoning in the end was spot on.
So, overall, 5.5 out of 10. The movie was nice, but they focused more on the family drama and less of the love story.
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A Story of Love's Fortitude
This is a movie based upon Shun and Nagisa being older. While the movie is hopeful, it is still profoundly sad and melancholic. Societal norms still determines that this relationship is not normal. It nearly ruined their relationship forever, and permanently changed what life’s paths they both took. It is a story painful to watch and made me cry. Not so much for its sadness, but for the lost opportunities of love they could have shared with each other. But fate has determined that, it is what it is, and you live your life in the moment and become grateful for what you have. It is an incredibly moving story of love, togetherness, and fortitude.To fully appreciate this movie, you really need to watch the series 'HIS- I DIDN'T THINK HE WOULD FALL IN LOVE WITH ME'. This will give you a perspective of who these guys are from a young age and how and why they mean so much to each other. This is a stunning combination of stories and is so human, with all its glories and foibles. You can see my full review of these two together at my (free) blog site at ppbongi.medium.com..
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LGBTQ
Its not just the movie but LGBTQ everyother story . It perfectly describe the feeling and world we live in . Choosing the partner just cxe we want to be feel normal and trying to deny the existence of colors inside usAlot of bl shows how sweet the life of gay love is but in reality we can't even hold hands in public . We have to deny the love anger and jealousy in all inside us
And i love the fact the daughter role in this movie . She really became the glue of the movie and sweetest part of it and a mother confusing/careless relationship with daughter due to work life
Love the movie best bl of Japan💜💙
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This is not a "fun" or "funny" movie. It deals with serious matters. But it's still hella worth a watch!
The acting was ALMOST flawless. The little girl played her role amazingly well. Nagisa's role was played well. But Shun was a complete bore, imo. Shun's personality is non-existent throughout this movie. It was difficult to connect with such a bland character. I feel like the person who really pulled the movie along was NOT the main couple, but the little girl.
Overall, a great movie from Japan!!
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This review may contain spoilers
HAPPINESS IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT
“His” is a truly beautiful movie. It’s equal parts heart-warming and heart-wrenching. But more than anything, it is a thoroughly satisfying 2-hour journey. I encourage everyone to watch it. Be warned that it’s probably a good idea to have a box of tissues beside you as there are some moments that touch one’s soul.Please don’t read past here if you haven’t yet seen the movie. Watch it first and then come back and read this review if you feel inspired. There are spoilers below.
====="SPOILERS AHEAD" ALERT=====
This is one of those rare gems of a movie that stayed in my mind, for all the right reasons, long after I finished watching. And the more I think about it, the more impressed I become with the script-writing and the directing.
Screenwriter Atsushi Asada and Director Imaizumi Rikiya have done an incredible job with this presentation. It’s not rushed. It’s not complicated. It’s not dramatic. But it DEFINITELY IS rewarding viewing. I can’t get it out of my mind that this story is based on someone’s real-life experience because everything about the movie shines with authenticity.
We enter the lives of two gay men who break up shortly after the audience arrives. We are then fast forwarded a number years, and the man who was responsible for the break up returns with a six-year-old daughter. He’s on the cusp of a divorce. The story that follows is how two gay men, a devastated wife and a young girl struggle with Life and, ultimately, build a bridge to Happiness.
The main characters: Igawa Shun hasn’t been able to fully accept his homosexuality; Hibino Nagisa leaves Shun and marries a few years later; Hibino Rena is Nagisa’s wife; Hibino Sora is Nagisa’s and Rena’s daughter. The actors who play these roles were completely immersed in their characters and, as a consequence, the “believability factor” of this story is enormous.
"His" about coming out and community acceptance of a gay relationship. It’s also about two men raising a young girl. The movie covers Family Law and legal prejudice, and looks at the hurdles created by emotions. The message that stayed with me the most, though, is that a person should never lose sight of what matters in Life. Moreover, when a person does the wrong thing to someone else, sincerely apologise. It is through an honest and heartfelt apology that a pathway to resolving conflict is created.
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A standalone film with a lot to offer
I honestly don't understand the negative comments about this film - it's frickin' beautifully written, acted, and filmed and is a very important and timely addition to other LGBTQ+ media being produced around the world at this moment. There's also no reason to draw too many comparisons to its prequel because these characters are not the same people they were much earlier - obviously. We get to know who they are right now, which is more important. And while there might not be fanservice and skinship every five minutes, the characters deeply love each other (that's obvious), they are there for one another when it matters, and they plan their lives around each other. Do they make mistakes? For sure...and they pay for them, in various ways.I believe that this film is ultimately about the ways we can atone for the selfish mistakes we make in our lives and how they affect those around us. But, (and this is big,) sometimes the mistakes that humans make are because the societies that they're in do not have their best interests at heart, and do not allow for folks to live fully into who they are, (and that includes issues around both gender and sexuality.)
This film gets ten stars from me, and I hope more people watch it.
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A story not just about gay romance but about adult life
“Live proudly!”I made an account only to write a review for this movie. I love it so much.
First, the acting is flawless. I believed every emotion the characters showed. I have watched multiple gay romance series/films; sometimes the main characters may have good chemistry but you still have a sense that they're only acting. But Shun and Nagisa’s characters were very real to me. It felt like they are just two people truly in love. It was very show not tell. And not just the two of them, everyone else in the movie felt like real people.
Second, it tackled real life circumstances delicately. Issues brought up were not just plot devices to have a story, the movie made sure to handle it seriously. And i respect that a lot. Although life is not always fair, the movie reminds us that sometimes it can be. And more importantly, it reminds us that kindness is always the best choice.
Lastly, Sora-chan is the cutest most adorable precious little bean!!!
There are a lot more beautiful elements in the story but I will leave that for you to discover yourself, whoever is reading this. Movie made me cry more than once but it was a good cry. I’m genuinely glad to have watched this movie.
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PLEASE WATCH - emotional, warm, & lovely
His is one of the best movies I've ever watched. I know that's coming off very strong, but as someone desperately looking for good lgbtq+ content (bonus points if it comes w/ some found family) this was a goldmine.STORY: This movie is a continuation of Shun and Nagisa's high-school relationship from the movie "His - I didn't think I would fall in love". However, as I'm not a huge fan of high-school dramas, I have not watched it and have no plans to. This movie worked just as great as a stand-alone. Even without knowing the beginnings of their story, the romance and emotions felt very real and pungent in this movie.
MESSAGE: The romance felt real and beautiful. Their reunion and evolution throughout the film was understandable and really hit home w/ my own coming-out struggles. Apart from the romance though, this movie deals with Nagisa's daughter and divorce really well. It's not a happy-go-lucky, everything-is-perfect kind of movie. It tackles the pain and hardship of a family breaking apart, as well as the joys in finding a new one, and how messy the two of those things can be when coexisting.
I highly recommend this movie! Please do yourself a favor and take two hours to watch this. It is absolutely worth your time.
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Equally as good, if not much better, than the drama
*outline*This movie made me speechless to the point it was difficult coming up with a headline for my review. I spent 3 minutes in front of an A4 sheet of paper to try think of headlines but none really seemed good enough. All I have to say it you have to watch this movie, and watch it after you've watched the series.
*analysis*
STORY : The story followed the description but at the same time it didn't. It went off on a tangent at some point, towards an even better plot. The mixture of bittersweet was simply addictive. I became obsessed with the movie. And after finishing it, it felt like I'd finished a whole series rather than a 2 hr movie. Felt even longer than the drama actually. The confessions and the rejections were just amazing. It didn't hit as hard throughout the movie, but it definitely gave me a reality check at the end. I was trying to partially distract myself from the movie with Pringles but that didn't work because the damn can gave up on me and I actually ended up sobbing at the end. The happy ending really overwhelmed me. I would watch this movie again and again. This has gotta be a movie that makes a great impact on not just me, but everyone. There is a moral and you'll only understand it after watching the movie. And try to concentrate on it, because losing track of the plot is not worth it. Honestly, this movie doesn't need your utmost concentration but doing so will just cause you to really get lost and get a sense of real life according to LGBTQs' point of view. The director relayed the viewpoint brilliantly.
ACTING/CAST : Ironic actually. In the drama I favored Nagisa more. However, that isn't the case in the movie. Shun made such a great impact in this movie. As soon as I saw him I just fell in love. It was clear from his facial expressions that he had a deep background. One thing I won't clearly understand is the reason they broke up at the beginning of the movie (as mentioned in the description). They were clearly perfect for each other, even more so than the drama version of Nagisa and Shun.
MUSIC : Was there any? I don't know and I don't care. I'm giving it a 9.5. The story distracted me from hearing any music or any tune anyways.
REWATCH VALUE : Bro, 10. I didn't even have to think twice. If I could I'd rewatch it right now but- sigh- school. Revisiting this movie, and most probably the drama, is definitely what I see myself doing sometime in the future. However, if you wanna cry... then rewatch the movie right after you've already finished watching it. I haven't done that yet but I'm genuinely considering doing it. Maybe.
Visit my Custom List "Asian BLs" which includes Korean, Thai, and Taiwanese BLs to see some of my watches. I don't actually give very low ratings because I believe every story has a moral and that every love is shown in its own way which may be what romance directors attempt to portray. If you're like me then definitely check them out !! ^.^
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This is such a beautiful movie i loved every second!
I absolutely loved this film with my entire soul. Everything about this movie is absolutely amazing. Not only for the heartwarming story, but also the emotional rollercoaster it takes you through. It sheds a whole new light on BLs showing that love can be way more complicated than you may think. The story is portrayed perfectly and the acting...Omg i love the main actors so much, i fell in LOVE with Nagisa the second he appeared! Their relationship is so beautiful it brings me to tears, not to mention the absolute gorgous acting during the emotional scenes.
Absolutely now one of my favorite films I've ever seen.
10/10 highly Recommend!❤
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This review may contain spoilers
LOVVVEED IT!!!!!
This was a beautiful movie.There are sooo many things that I loved about this movie but I'll include only a few
1) It was set in the countryside of Japan which in itself gives the movie such a calm and soothing vibe. It even goes well with the theme of the movie cause sometimes just a calm atmosphere can solve a lot of problems.
2) The little girl's perspective. I was just beautiful to watch how simple somethings are but we adults just complicate it. The time she said that papa likes shun and shun likes papa too, why is that weird, it's not weird right. Then towards the end ' If you say sorry to mama then papa, mama, shun and sura can all live together '. All this made me tear up because this reminded me of one of the sentences of Hayao Miyazaki that 'children are special because they are not affected by the logistics and common sense of adults'. This just tells how simple everything is for children, they see it as what it is and not complicate it.
3) When shun just come out to the people in town and they just accepted it as it was nothing different and the old lady said " Shun, Live Proudly ".
It was such a wholesome movie and I even loved the ending.
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