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I know it sucks comparing the manga/anime with the adaptation because it will never be as good, specially when you try to squeeze a whole manga into a movie...
But I thought the acting was poor and I felt no chemistry at all between the two main leads. Some beautiful scenes of the manga seemed too unnatural or rushed.
It's such a shame, cause both the manga and the anime are big favorites of mine.
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friendships and first loves
I never saw the manga, so my rating is just based on the movie itself. It had some heavy content in terms of life experience of a youth, but I felt it handled it pretty well. The only part they glazed over was the depression that ML (Kou) felt and Yui felt too. Other than that it's a great movie about friendship. The romance parts were cute and sweet. The music was okay and the production mostly good. The writing was okay too. The scenery was beautiful, especially the sunset landscape shots.The reasons I didn't rate it higher like others, is because the crying and emotional moments fell a little flat, which could be the Director's fault or maybe the cast aren't as experienced as actors. The supporting role characters really didn't have much development or storyline and I wish that they had. IF this had been made into a series instead of a movie, to give it more time for character development and growth, I think my rating would've been higher.
It's a good watch, especially for a high school drama and those new to watching high school rom-com dramas. A solid 6.5/10!
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it was hard to me to find it subbed, after watching the anime i waited so long to watch the live action movie!
I wish Ao Haru Ride has a drama too, may be one day. it will be cool if it has a drama stared by Yamazaki Kento too ^^
Ididn't read the Manga so i don't know ifthe movie changed any of the details but first 25 min is so like the anime then you'll find it taking new passes.
the movie is a bit different from the anime, but didn't ruin it. new characters will jump into the picture which makes it so interesting and you will never get bored based on your experience but made me familiar to the characters life as i know them well. not huge changes in story i can consider it season 2 as it's more complete than the anime.
the same as the anime it's so refreshing pure "Aoharu" movie.. it also teached me a lot !
talking about youth precious years, how it's so busy and pass quickly but what kind of life will be it's up to us!
There aren't any pple who take the write pass everytime. Getting rid the past, enjoying current moments, creating meomories and truly friendship this is how life should be!
people who can't consider their own happiness, shouldn't be proud of supporting others.
ah i love the cast too, really liked the casting overall. the male actor who played Kou, i didn't see him before was first movie to see him. He is so coool also Futaba is so alike to the anime character However her expressions were a bit exaggerated. but i think most of j-actress doing the same in live action movies.
the music was good too so good and the ending song was beautiful.
i downloaded the movie so that i can watch it many many many times again.
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Gladly, these expectations were met for the most part, and I was left generally satisfied. As this movie was based off of the manga, of course the story would be wonderful. Since this is a movie adaptation, it is inevitable that some beloved moments in the manga will not be included due to time restraint. Nonetheless, I feel as though the scenes we were able to see did the manga justice.
Admittedly, the acting seemed a bit awkward, unnatural, or corny at some points. That is my only complaint. Otherwise, the cast did do a great job representing the characters and I truly felt for them. The older actors gave this movie a mature feel, which I believe is suiting for this story and the ambiance of the movie.
The soundtrack was amazing. I have it saved on my Spotify to listen to before I go to sleep. It is so soothing and accompanies the scenes and events at the perfect moments, and each and every song was beautiful.The music adds depth to the movie. I commend the composer, Yuki Hayashi, for the wonderful music.
No matter what, I always come back running to this movie a few times a year to get my romance and tear jerker fix. I have rewatched this movie countless times for the fact that I just love it.
Overall, I would give this movie a 9.5/10. It hits all the marks, but there are a few things I feel as though could be improved and polished up. Nevertheless, it was amazing.
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I’m a big fan of the manga and when I heard that it was going to get a live action adaptation I was a little bit confused.
I wanted Kento Yamazaki as the main actor here and when I read that Masahiro Higashide got the main role I was like “Oh, hell no.”
But I was totally wrong and Higashide didn’t Disappoint me.
Let’s start with the plot, a pretty common one when it comes to shojo manga.
Futaba felt in love with Kou during middle school. After a while, Kou moved to another city and Futaba is left alone. She tried her best to not get hated by her classmates so she acts a little bit like a tomboy to not get noticed by boys. She has fake friends too.
But one day she noticed that Kou came back and he has changed, becoming a cold teenage boy.
The plot is actually well written and Kou personality really makes girls heart melt down like ice creams.
Talking about the characters, they are all perfect. Maybe there are some little differences between the manga and this live action but to be honest, I didn’t dislike them so much.
Honda Tsubasa wasn’t the best choice as the main character, according to my opinion. I don’t really like her acting skills but in Enoshima Prism she was quite good so I thought she would do a good job with Futuba.
Sad truth, she didn’t.
Higashide was the main star here. His acting skills are always on point with the character he is playing. It’s like he isn’t acting at all and when it comes to him it’s a good thing. I still think that Kou character was meant for Kento Yamazaki but Higashide did an amazing job. Some fans said that he was too old to play an high school boy but who cares, I saw 26 years boys playing high school boys perfectly even if they age didn’t match with the character.
In the end, I might say that this live action was well done.
The only thing I didn’t like about the plot is how they left Toma behind. He was a sweetheart , he didn’t deserved to be treat like shit by Futaba ( yes, I’m a big fan of Toma and a big fan of Chiba Yudai).
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Saruman is okay with this movie.
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This review may contain spoilers
I loved this movie. 100%. I hadn't read the manga before jumping in but since I had no idea about any of the characters it didn't really matter. This movie was beautiful in pretty much every aspect.I loved the casting choices made by the director. He brought Yoshioka and Mabuchi to life in a way that made me seriously want their actors in real life to get married. They fit their characters impeccably and even the supporting cast was chosen really well. I had no trouble believing that they were actual friends. The plot of the movie was also good, with the movie taking time to carefully drop hints of what was to come. The pacing was fine, a bit lacking at the start before speeding up. The overall acting was great across the entire cast so kudos to the director.
The romance was developed between the two mains in a way that mostly felt organic and natural. I really rooted for the chemistry between them and I am satisfied with how the movie choose to end. I do wish the movie had addressed the secondary character romance between Murao and Kominato but that is really just a personal preference.
The soundtrack was moving ( to me at least ) and well-timed in the movie. As a movie adapted from a manga, I have to say that this felt like it paid respect to the source material ( I read the manga after watching the movie ) even if it didn't follow it exactly, which I didn't mind.
I also didn't mind the cliches the movie used like the school festival and school trip. Instead, I think they were useful element to drive the movie forward. The cliche of the " friend group coming together as a whole after conflict " was executed in such a natural way that I can't hate the movie for using it. It was a testament to lasting relationships that are so very valuable and sought after in today's world and the connections made by these very different people was wonderful to watch unfold. One of the best friend group portrayals in Japanese rom com movies.
SPOILERS AHEAD. READ AFTER WATCHING THE MOVIE.
I really admire the movie for choosing to be sombre and realistic towards the end when tackling the issue of death and moving on from it. When Mabuchi's perspective is changed when hie finds out his mother actually prayed for him rather than for herself, I found that extremely touching ( to the point of actual tears ) and it was one of the most beautiful moments in the movie.
Lesson of the movie: Grief is a natural process that everyone goes through when someone has passed on. However, like in the movie when Mabuchi chooses to fixate on it, that is when it has been taken too far. So, the lessons is to know that you are not alone when you have dark thoughts and are in a dark place mentally. It's a simple but powerful phrase: " You are not alone " and it shines in this movie. There is hope and there is a reason to live, tp continue to live a life that honours the person that has passed.
Conclusion: This was simply a well-constructed movie that delivered on romance and genuine emotional impact. Its faults are few in light of what it does well.
9.5/ 10 - Definitely recommend
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Acting was great!
Music was pretty good too. I would not rewatch because it's too sad and too much annoying parts from the boy and support role girl...
I wish it were happier... you know?
I got enough sadness in me so i gotta watch happy shows lol
You should watch if you are into the drama, and sad parts of a movie. Also if you are into good endings like happy not sad endings
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It's all about heartwarming moments and discovering the ABCs of teenage love.
As I went into the live-action adaptation of "Ao Haru Ride," I found myself pleasantly surprised by the heartfelt storytelling, captivating characters, and the undeniable chemistry that unfolded on screen. Strangely, or perhaps fittingly, my lack of familiarity with the manga or anime allowed me to approach the film with a fresh perspective, unburdened by preconceived expectations.The narrative weaves a tale of love, growth, and the complexities of human connections. Yoshioka and Mabuchi, portrayed by the talented Tsubasa Honda and Masahiro Higashide, are at the forefront of this emotional journey. The story follows Yoshioka's high school experience as she crosses paths with her long-lost love, now known as Mabuchi Kou, played impeccably by Higashide. The film masterfully builds upon the nuances of their relationship, creating a palpable connection that is both heartwarming and bittersweet.
The standout element of "Ao Haru Ride" is the chemistry between the two leads. Contrary to what one might expect, their on-screen dynamic is undeniably charming. Honda's portrayal of Yoshioka exudes a mix of vulnerability and strength, while Higashide breathes life into Kou with a depth that goes beyond the typical high school romance tropes. Their interactions felt genuine, and the adorable scene where Kou consoles Yoshioka by placing her head on his chest was a touching highlight, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer's heart.
One cannot overlook the meticulous attention to character development, particularly in the backstories of Mabuchi and Yoshioka. Their evolution throughout the film is not only believable but also relatable. The sacrifices and choices they make for each other, coupled with moments of heartbreak, contribute to a narrative that transcends the typical teenage romance and delves into the complexities of love and self-discovery.
The supporting cast, including the ever-loyal friends, adds depth to the story. The strong bond and friendship among the characters make you feel good, and there's no betrayal or unnecessary drama happening. This not only supports the central narrative but also emphasizes the importance of friendship in navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence.
The film's pace may be considered slow by some, but the deliberate unfolding of key moments, coupled with skillful direction and cinematography, amplifies the emotional impact. The music complements the narrative, enhancing the overall viewing experience and underscoring the depth of the characters' emotions.
In conclusion, "Ao Haru Ride" stands as a testament to the power of well-executed live-action adaptations. For those like me, entering the story with fresh eyes, it becomes a delightful journey of heart and growth. The chemistry between Honda and Higashide, coupled with the genuine portrayal of characters and their relationships, makes this film a captivating exploration of love and self-discovery. Whether you're a fan of high school romance or simply looking for a heartfelt escape, "Ao Haru Ride" is a must-watch, a cinematic gem that lingers in the heart long after the credits roll.
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This review may contain spoilers
Is this like every other shoujo manga turned movie? Yes, but, fortunately, its production saved it from being a failure. That and the leading lady. She was not only very good at her acting, but also her character was easily relatable and very likable. Another plus for this movie was the friendship theme and the love triangle. The mystery behind the boy's first disappearance and then his "past" wasn't that interesting, as it wasn't treated as a mystery at all. However, he kept letting down the girl with no real explanation and that was a little annoying, as he was presented as the bad boy type though he didn't look like it. In addition, towards the end, it started getting boring and the final result was too predictable. That's why, I'm rating this one with 5 out of 10. Was this review helpful to you?
