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ThomasLin

Singapore

ThomasLin

Singapore
18×2  Beyond Youthful Days japanese drama review
Completed
18×2 Beyond Youthful Days
5 people found this review helpful
by ThomasLin
Aug 6, 2024
Completed
Overall 10
Story 10.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Dreams Rekindled: A Story of Loss and New Beginnings

I watched a beautiful movie on Netflix, a co-production between Taiwan and Japan, starring Greg Hsu and Kaya Kiyohara. I would give the movie a solid 9/10.

Let's start with the cinematography and camerawork. The film features stunning shots of Taiwan and Japan's scenery, with elegant camera angles that provide a breathtaking experience. It takes you through the bustling streets of Tainan and the snowy mountains of Japan. One of the most unforgettable scenes is when Jimmy meets a kindred spirit on a subway. They exit a long tunnel and find themselves in a snow-filled wonderland, leaving Jimmy in awe and imprinting the moment deeply in his mind. It’s the kind of experience that transcends simply taking a photo with a camera.

The characters are exceptional as well. We see Jimmy’s growth from a tardy but energetic youth with a bright future to a jaded game developer at a crossroads. Kiyohara's enigmatic charm shines as she dances around a karaoke bar, injecting life into the people around her.

The story is exceptionally well-paced and told, juxtaposing a vibrant and cute slice-of-life adventure in Taiwan with the tragic, melodramatic ending typical of J-dramas. When the reveal happens, you can’t help but feel a strong sense of loss and contemplation about what could have been. As the memories start unraveling from Kiyohara's perspective, I personally couldn’t help but bawl my eyes out.

In conclusion, I feel this movie is a masterpiece—a truly excellent love story that marries the best of both Taiwanese and Japanese cinema.
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