1
Stefania
Action Done Right
Hollywood producers can definitely learn a thing or two about how action should be done from High&Low The Worst. This movie is an absolute gem in its genre – the best that I have seen since Crows Zero. Whether you are looking for a well-written plot, realistic fight scenes, or fun, likeable characters, you will find all of these and more. Now let me tell you in detail what makes this movie so great.
1. Top-notch Action.
The highlight of this movie are the long fight scenes. What distinguishes them from those in most action movies that I have seen is that they do not rely too much on slow motion. The viewer is exposed to the full chaos of a battle between two large groups of violent delinquents. The changing camera angles and the fact that the lead character does not miraculously emerge unscathed from every fight adds realism to the scenes, while the witty banter between opponents and the absence of excessive gore makes them satisfyingly entertaining. Although I usually skip the fighting in movies because it bores me, this time I was glued to the screen.
2. Gorgeous Guys.
The visuals in this movie are jaw-dropping – and I do not mean only the lead actors. The number of Oya High and Housen Academy students that can become top models is really high. Almost every scene left me wondering at whom I should stare. They all look like they have stepped out of an anime! Whoever was in charge of the casting deserves a raise. My only complaint is that the majority of extras looked too old to be high school students.
3. Well-developed Plot with Likeable Characters.
This movie is a great reminder that action does not have to be plotless. It has an interesting and well-written storyline that drew me in almost immediately. Although I am a newcomer to this franchize, I did not have any difficulties understanding what is happening.
I also appreciated the fact that the main characters are all fleshed-out well. Each one of them has his own problems and motivations that make him easy to sympathize with. The eccentric Murayama became a favorite of mine by the end, but I rooted for everyone else just as much.
The spin that this movie does on the power of friendship and found family tropes also works really well and does not seem clichéd. Despite all the fighting and screaming, there are many heart-warming moments of genuine friendship – something that is difficult to find in movies nowadays.
Most importantly, the ending ties everything together, leaving no plot holes.
4. Bromance.
The bromance is the second highlight of this movie. I do not know if the production team chose to underscore the chemistry between Fujio and Sachio on purpose, but more sparks flew between those two than between most onscreen romantic couples that I have seen.
Overall, if you have two hours to spare and you are in the mood for action, watch this movie.
1. Top-notch Action.
The highlight of this movie are the long fight scenes. What distinguishes them from those in most action movies that I have seen is that they do not rely too much on slow motion. The viewer is exposed to the full chaos of a battle between two large groups of violent delinquents. The changing camera angles and the fact that the lead character does not miraculously emerge unscathed from every fight adds realism to the scenes, while the witty banter between opponents and the absence of excessive gore makes them satisfyingly entertaining. Although I usually skip the fighting in movies because it bores me, this time I was glued to the screen.
2. Gorgeous Guys.
The visuals in this movie are jaw-dropping – and I do not mean only the lead actors. The number of Oya High and Housen Academy students that can become top models is really high. Almost every scene left me wondering at whom I should stare. They all look like they have stepped out of an anime! Whoever was in charge of the casting deserves a raise. My only complaint is that the majority of extras looked too old to be high school students.
3. Well-developed Plot with Likeable Characters.
This movie is a great reminder that action does not have to be plotless. It has an interesting and well-written storyline that drew me in almost immediately. Although I am a newcomer to this franchize, I did not have any difficulties understanding what is happening.
I also appreciated the fact that the main characters are all fleshed-out well. Each one of them has his own problems and motivations that make him easy to sympathize with. The eccentric Murayama became a favorite of mine by the end, but I rooted for everyone else just as much.
The spin that this movie does on the power of friendship and found family tropes also works really well and does not seem clichéd. Despite all the fighting and screaming, there are many heart-warming moments of genuine friendship – something that is difficult to find in movies nowadays.
Most importantly, the ending ties everything together, leaving no plot holes.
4. Bromance.
The bromance is the second highlight of this movie. I do not know if the production team chose to underscore the chemistry between Fujio and Sachio on purpose, but more sparks flew between those two than between most onscreen romantic couples that I have seen.
Overall, if you have two hours to spare and you are in the mood for action, watch this movie.
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