Hot Road (2014)

I don't know about you, but I'm weak when it comes to motorcycles + gangs. Proven once again.
I've been hesitating to watch this movie since I rarely enjoy romantic plots, because they're either shallow or overwhelmingly cliche /and/ unnecessarily dramatic; but I threw all my expectations aside (motorcycles!) and gave it a shot. I just had a good feeling about it and my instincts never betray me (totally not the motorcycles). Alright, I'm just joking.

You know when the movie has a good start you'll either be all optimistic and anticipate every minute of it or you'll be a pessimist and think how it'll go downhill midway through. Funny thing! nothing of such happened. Despite the beautiful filming (and let me point out how neat it was), the plot didn't gave much at first. I couldn't grasp its direction and I couldn't guess if I was happy about what I saw and if I was going to enjoy what was going to happen, but before I found my answers, it grew on me real quick and hit me like a splash of emotions. I do enjoy the movies you can easily relate to.

But this movie stands out not only for the romance, don't be fooled; it manages to mix (beautifully) loneliness, suffering, fear and eventually love, all together in a heavy pack of a simple, yet well-structured plot. The drama effect is strong and it balaces well through the characters, nothing silly in here. The main characters aren't something new, but relatable and true. Their encounter and their relationship is well acted and very realistic. The actors managed to show a mature performance, which is really important for this kind of plot and for the overall atmosphere. But give me a second here, alright — who's this Tosaka Hiroomi and why isn't he in the industry already? He shows real potential and I wish to see him more in the future.

To sum it up, gangs? Check. Motorcycles? Check. (now that's shoujo-ish). But realistic romance? Check. (not so shoujo-ish anymore). Sounds good, right? If it sounds good for you, you should totally watch it.

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Coming upon this film, I wasn't aware of the romantic plot line or the fact that it was based off a shojou manga until afterwards. I just kinda' sat down at my cousin's apartment and we initially watched it to kill time and boredom, but oh boy, we had no idea what we were in for: some really good stuff.

The film highly caught my interest within the first few minutes, it's got a great, unique pitch. The romantic relationship shown between the main characters was sufficient and so...realistic. This is why I was so shocked when I found out it was based off a shoujou manga - it wasn't cliche' and sappy like most shoujous. This film is an intense coming of age story that depicts more than just love and chemistry - it's about life, which is something very real; and the plot/acting stays true to that intention thoroughly.

I was very surprised with such a difference in Nounen Rena's character, it was very pleasant to see her act as a serious role, instead of her usual comedic-ditzy roles. And she held this new kind of character up to its fullest, she's good! Real good! I mean it, literally. I'm not that into the EXILE TRIBE but it was interesting to see one of the tribe, Hiroomi Tosaka act and not sing. Fun fact: he's hella' talented at both of those things. He did great and I'm kind of shocked that this role was his first acting job - I couldn't tell.

The overall art of the film was warm and touching; the music, development, transitions, and pacing was wonderfully placed.

My only warning is that you shouldn't watch this movie for the kissy-lovey dovey-doki doki attributes that most live action shoujou movies have. Like I said earlier, the film displays much more than their relationship. If you're into realistic-romantic movies, you'll enjoy this a lot.

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