Reviews

Every Day Should Be Beautiful

Reading the plot somehow threatened me already, that looming tragedy. But...

..the film's revelations were refreshingly honest. The main characters, the parents, navigated this ordeal with quiet strength, with a little dash of dark humor, prioritizing normalcy for their children. This molded a powerful narrative where emotional impact unfolded naturally, punctuated by well-placed musical moments that didn't detract from the impact but rather provided a space to breathe before the next wave of feels.

Each revelation were refreshingly simple and honest, too, which greatly heightened every moment allowing viewers to look inward and say, "yes, that happened to me, as well."

If you're looking for a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and one that relies on genuine emotion rather than cheap tricks, then this is a must-watch.

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Cinematic poetry

This is both a family drama of changing times in early 20th century rural Japan and a beautiful, poetic melodrama depicting a romanticised and idealised version of the life of an idealistic young man who, after his death, became one of Japan's most loved poets and writers. It feels a very fitting tribute for Miyazawa Kenji.

So far in JFF Online I've seen three films which include arts and creativity - The Lines That Define Me (sumi-e ink painting), Single8 (1979-era amateur movie-making) and this one. In all of them, characteristics of the art form shape and inform the ways the stories are told. If Miyazawa Kenji had been a different writer, this would have been a different film.

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Intriguing, Gory, Violent, and Unexpected

it's just blood and guts everywhere, which i like, tbh it's so unexpecting to the point that you wont know who's gonna be dead, who's gonna survive, or who's even the main antagonist??but yeah it's chaotic, just the way i like. That seemingly main characters we see, even died at one point, i was even confused who's the mc here, 'cuz i would theorize that it's dayeon and she ended up dying minutes later, like bffr i hated how she died.😓I wish this can have a part 2 tho, we still have many reasons to have a sequel, many other opportunities for the plot, and i want it to be even gorier next time

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Heartbreaking.

Bible has once again pulled out all the stops to reveal what a great actor he is! His performance was so moving, so beautifully enacted, so deliriously loaded with emotions, it really hit you right in the feels. Heartbreaking, yet so powerful; he just nailed it. Jes, whom I am less familiar with brought his A-game as well. You could see his experience and talent oozing out of every scene, and he was fantastic too. They could tell a super powerful love story, truly affecting, within 20 minutes of screen time for both.

To me, the story is all about the love between two people - one who loved too much and one who loved too little. It was a love for which Garn was ready to give everything; he poured his heart and soul into that love until his last breath. On the other hand, Tul chose to go by the expectations of society and so he went for a wife and child. He did not repent his choice, but somewhere in his heart, he felt sorry that his love for Garn was not strong enough to match Garn's feelings.

Seriously, they both did amazing! ꨄ

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Short But Gold!

Japan has done it again!

It's a known fact that Japan is known for their awesome horror movies that scare the living soul out of you, but it's also true, that they have been in decline for the past few years, with only small productions.

When I first saw that this movie has only thirteen minutes runtime, I was skeptical. I mean, who makes such short horror movies? It takes a lot of courage to bet everything on those thirteen minutes, because eventually it means, that you have to grab the viewer right at the first minute.

Was it successful in my case? Yes!

Let me say that I am big chicken and a masochist who for some unknown reason watches horror movies, when I am very scared of them. I haven't found the reason yet, so don't ask.

So, for someone who is scared of a lot of things, this was absolutely perfect and at the end I was close to changing my panties (for obvious reasons). I know that the story isn't so unique because it is ''another haunted house'' tale, but still, it had a nice twist to it! You also get those classic ''ghost in the back'' shots which are old-school, but still freaky and make you anxious.

The acting was on point, but music was hard to rate because overall...it had very minor standing in the plot.

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A heartwarming and realistic movie

A few years ago, I stumbled upon the first volume of the manga at a mall, it was so random but the cover got me intrigued and I checked it like this, alone, in public. That was interesting and lovely that I wanted to keep reading it (although I'm the type of person who consumed manga).

So when I've heard there's a movie / a live action adaptation, I was so happy and wanted to watch it! I don't know why I waited for so long but I'm happy that this year, there's a Japanese film festival online and thanks to this I was able to finally watch it.

I love the grandma, she was so adorable, so sweet, she makes me smile and Urara the high school girl she's so relatable.. I understand her that the way she behaves, it does make sense. I would like to befriend her.

How can anyone imagine that 2 different generations would build such a precious friendship thanks to a BL manga?! That was so sweet and heartfelt to watch.

I also like the friendship with her childhood friend also I wished for more but they decided to keep it simple.

This show makes it so natural and realistic, no shame and no "taboo", simply 2 persons who share the same passion, they have the right to like something that make them happy. It's just beautiful. There's a moment, It was emotional that I almost shed a tear. So yes, definitely a must-watch.

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This Film Pissed Me Off

BIG ASS TRIGGER WARNING: There’s physical abuse, death threats, and rape in the film.

How do I even begin? I feel like (and know) there’s so much to say but I don’t want to talk about this film. God, there’s a reason I stay away from films like this and I forget why I even decided to give this one a shot. I think that the entire film is unnecessary because I don’t think the film was even trying to say anything worthwhile. Aside from the obscene amount of sex scenes and violence, yeah, I don’t think there’s anything much the film was trying to convey.

A lot of the time, it felt like the film didn’t have a direction it was following. It got a little boring at times. One thing I am certain of is that the film tried too hard to be edgy. Its elements, to me, are proof of that. The thing is, I would have been fine with the abuse, the rape, the violence if it all boiled down to something. At least, something. No. It didn’t. I’m lost. No, scratch that. I’m fucking blind. I can’t see what the film is trying to say. I sound like a broken record, don’t I?

In the middle of the film, I was just so enraged because everything seemed pointless. At that point, it was just a bunch of graphic sex scenes and abuse. I should’ve stopped watching but my completionist ass won’t let me. I didn’t even get anything fulfilling when I finished the damn film.

The only thing that deserves undisputed praise is the acting. Sid Lucero did good as an abusive twat that he evoked a good kind of reaction from me: fear. A lot of the time, I just ended up laughing at how ridiculous everything was getting or sighing or actually saying, “That’s disgusting” out loud. In his scenes, I found myself getting anxious and that’s the only good thing to ever come from me when it comes to this movie. Angeli Khang, sure, she did okay but her acting does sometimes fall flat. Paolo Gumabao, sure, he did good too. I don’t know what to say, really. Angeli Khang and Paolo Gumabao managed to hold their own in the presence of a great actor such as Sid but still, I can’t help but think that some performances pale in comparison.

I don’t want to talk about this film any more. It just makes me so angry and grossed out. Needless to say, I hated it. I wouldn’t recommend it but if you’re curious, then go ahead.

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Acceptance of difference and problems caused by those quick to judge

Cho-san has both learning disabilities and autism, needs his routines and works in a supported facility. He also has a great mum and difficult neighbours.

Every bit of this rings true with my experience working and volunteering with people with learning disabilities, including the complicated decisions aging parents make to ensure their sons and daughters are settled.

Please don't watch this to be heart-warmed. Please watch this to better understand a bit more of the extra difficulties so unnecessarily created by those who see difference and look for reasons to condemn.

(The tags currently include mental illness. There is no mental illness depicted in this film. The distress felt by Cho-san and some of the housemates when confronted by loud noises, angry neighbours or disruption to their routine is part of their learning disabilities, not mental illness. These are distinct things.)

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In friendship, age has no bar.

"If we only accept pretty things, then this whole town will be wiped out, won't it?"

Let's go karaoke is a random slice-of-life movie where you meet two bizarre yet perfect combination of characters in a questionable wholesome situation. A 40yr old yakuza Kyouji asks a 14yr old choir boy Satomi to teach him “how to sing”. After reading the synopsis you would expect a scary looking yakuza threatening a timid school boy to get what he wants. But in reality it's the opposite. How? That's for you to discover.

The movie is pretty much about the adolescent boy teaching him how to sing and founding himself in unusual situations with scary yakuza members. The absurdity of the whole plot is the juxtaposition of scary yakuza image and them taking karaoke singing competition so seriously like their life depends on it. Thanks to this film I found another banger “Kurenai” >.<
The bgm and hilarious singing adds up to it.
It's only possible for Japan to deliver this kind of unique plot. Throughout the film you watch two mismatched people come closer and forming a bond. Both the actors skillfully depicted the intricate emotions of their distinct characters.

I'm that type of person who reads the manga/webtoon first before diving into the series/movies. The mangaka, Yama Wayama has my heart and soul. Her art style is just my type. I read and watched “Captivated by you” long ago which I absolutely adored it but sadly was unaware of this manga. The way she combined and delivered all the essence of characters in panels is just phenomenal.

Definitely recommend them, both the one-shot manga and its lovely adaptation.

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A Heartwarming Journey Marred by an Unnecessary Ending

Honestly, I had no intention of watching this when it first came out. However, after seeing Byeon Woo Seok in "Lovely Runner," I couldn't resist his charm and decided to give it a go. This movie is a heartwarming coming-of-age romance, but inexplicably, the writer chose a sad ending. It felt unnecessary and out of sync with the film's overall tone and vibe.

Both Kim Yoo Jung and Byeon Woo Seok were perfect for their roles. Kim Yoo Jung's character is irresistibly lovable, embodying loyalty, charisma, and charm; she instantly wins your heart. Byeon Woo Seok’s character is equally captivating, portraying a loyal, observant, caring, and reliable friend. There is no doubt these two are perfect for each other. In contrast, their best friends are a bit more selfish, especially Roh Yoon Seo's character, but not in a negative way.

The movie will undoubtedly stir feelings of nostalgia, taking you back to your high school days. Who was your first boyfriend or girlfriend? Did you ever help your best friend approach their crush? And remember all that old technology, from pagers to VHS tapes? It's truly a walk down memory lane.

As mentioned earlier, the sad ending felt unnecessary. I don't understand why the writer chose this route. It doesn't make the movie more poetic or artistic; it only creates a sense of dissonance from the rest of the film's direction and tone. An avoidable disappointment.

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