The story is basically about the social structure of Japan, about three people seeking warmth in that society and about intimacy. While it is a serious theme, there are many comedic elements in it. Not in the usual Japanese comedy style, but just situations that turn out funny or strange and that will make you laugh because it's genuinely funny, not because it's overacted or crazy. The whole story idea is actually cute, only the ending a bit too serious for the rest of the movie.
The characters are lovable and I really like how they portrayed the relationship to the family members or how the relationship between the gay couple and Asako develops. It was all nicely paced and I enjoyed watching the movie. They have some bed scenes in it, so the movie is not for the younger audience, but it's discretely done, so it should be fine to watch it, if you know that they are in there somewhere.
I gave this movie 4* because I wasn't too fond of the ending. But if you want to see a serious film, like gays and want to learn about Japanese society, this will be your movie!
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This review may contain spoilers
Overall: there were some good plot points in this, but they were obscured by several things. Watched on GagaOOLala. Content Warnings: death off screen, dub/non con sex (leaning towards non con based on how she addresses him towards the end), fight/slap, past suicide attempt, alcoholism, mental health struggles, defamation?, manipulation
What I Liked
- this does address several realistic issues/struggles that were relevant when this movie was made and are still relevant today (including judgy doctors/people about a woman's past reproductive choices)
Room For Improvement
- it felt that Asako was having a midlife crisis which is a terrible reason to have a child. I didn't like that she didn't just have a one night stand or use a sperm bank. She does explain/show that she wants the feeling of family which she wouldn't get if she did the other options (but this makes me see her character as selfish, not someone I want to route for). I think they could have altered Asako and the plot a bit where I would be happy with their decision (so if the guys had wanted it to start with)
- that part before the final scene came out of nowhere and was so bizarre, I don't understand the reason for it, to show that you should appreciate every moment?
- unlikable characters (and too many), they could have easily cut out some characters especially that female co-worker, it added nothing to the story
- too long, it dragged and cutting out some side characters would have helped move things along
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A hidden gem
The movie is not without problems (as I will elaborate bellow), but it has many qualities which make it superior to other 2000's lgbt-themed Japanese movies, and even some of the more recent ones.Story - the films deals with several issues within both the queer and heteronormative communities in modern Japanese society, such as parenthood, familial relations in general, balancing one's personal life & career, coming out and more. However, I think some of the subplots should have been cut, as the final result is both long (more than 2 hours) and somewhat incoherent at times. The roles of certain side characters (such as Naoya's mother) could have been easily transferred to other characters, too.
Acting - Nothing bad to say here. Katsuhiro and Naoya were much more believable as a couple than most of the Japanese BL couples we have seen recently. The actress who played Asako did a wonderful job too.
Would probably watch it again, even just in order to try and spot details I missed at first.
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