I often tell my friends that if you want to learn more about Japanese culture don't watch anime but watch Japanese movies instead and this film is the very best example of that. Watching this movie will open your eyes about this kind of culture in Japan and on how they cut trees. The act is treated with respect (respect to the forest and forest god) and not just cut a tree then plant after which what I was only aware before watching this movie. The last part of the film is holy freaking moment, a combination of epic and comedy gold.
I watch this film because I am a fan of Shota Sometani and I was not disappointed and though the film's strength is the story it still one of his most important role to date. His performance here is not on par with his performance in Himizu but in this movie he proves he can also do comedic roles, his timing is just great. This film is in my opinion his best film to date and yes even better than Himizu. As for Ito Hideaki, the last film I've seen from him was Lesson of Evil which is such an epic movie. If you love Battle Royale and blood in your movies I highly recommend it. He had a great performance in Lesson of evil but I was more impressed with his performance here, he is such a badass and this movie is not even an action or a Yakuza film, it's a coming of age/slice of life movie lol. The chemistry between them is just great they are the total opposites, one is rugged type dirty guy and the other is like a girl and totally weak but once both of them are on screen there is such a magnetic force between them. You will enjoy Sometani's character development here. Given this film has two great actors and combined it with awesome chemistry makes this movie one hell of a ride.
Overall a great coming of age movie, relaxing to eyes visually and relaxing to ears with its music. A great movie if you want to learn more about Japanese Culture. If you love Departures, The Great Passage, Waterboys, Linda Linda etc. this movie is similar and has a similar vibe.
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You can learn many things about Japanese culture from this movie. They way they do their job and and at the same time respect the forest and their culture are so beautiful to watch.
As for the cast, they are perfect especially Sometani Shota and Ito Hideaki. Really love the scene when Ito Hideaki get to know that Sometani is his trainee and he goes "Eh? Kaaaahhh" disappointedly and did the snot rocket (blew his nose snot) right away lol.
I really wanna thanks my friend for introducing this movie for me. Thank you so much.
10/10
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Nature in all its majesty - and with no sugarcoating whatsoever, LOL
Maybe it's because half of the blood running through my veins comes from an alpine valley, and I'm no stranger to the sight of steep slopes all covered with coniferous forests. Or maybe it's 'cause I just really like Japanese rural settings, which I consider way more authentic and interesting than the more usual urban ones. And then again, maybe it's simply because this is indeed a great movie, period.Whatever the reason, I deeply enjoyed this "Wood Job"!
Such a pure, straightforward story, mixed with some very funny scenes, some deep moments, some great acting (Ito Hideaki in particular steals the scene more than once), some nice music....and last but totally not least, some breathtaking scenery!
Perfect 10! ^___-
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I wanna hug those trees!
I laughed so hard at the scene towards the end during the festival. Epic!It has some breathtaking views, I wish I am climbing up those trees too!
Despite it being on forestry setting, it isn't boring at all.
It's hearwarming, funny, touching, all in its own way.
I love the respect they have for nature, I love seeing the greenery mountain, I love those big trees that I wanna hug them, I love the laughter when they sing and dance, I love how oneness is portrayed in this show
What a healing and fun-filling show!
Highly recommended, I enjoy every moment. Seriously, Jap Movie did it again! n
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