Chihayafuru: Kami no Ku (2016)

I lowkey regret not having read the manga or watched the anime because this film was SO GOOD. I went into it not knowing much and never having even heard of such a game but boy- it was so, so interesting. The best aspect of the movie is the blend of modern and traditional Japanese culture in a high school setting. The game called Karuta is so amazing. I've never heard of the great hundred poems and one day after I learn Japanese properly, I'll probably sit down and read the poems.

The characters are really deep and well-developed in spite of the entire theme being them Karuta players. I love the main girl and her passion and determination for the game was really inspiring. I also loved the dynamics between her and her friends and watching them practice and bicker was very nice. The way these characters come together and decide to go the Nationals was amazing.

The romantic aspect of the film wasn't much but I enjoyed whatever they showed. When the movie gets intense, they also throw in some anime humour which saves it from being too much to handle. I think this film can serve as an inspiration for anyone regardless of what goal you are aiming for. It also shows how not just talent, but perseverance and taking care of your health while working toward your goal is equally important.

The main actress is really pretty and the main actor was also cute. I don't know any of the other side actors but they also did good jobs of their characters. Like I said, a big traditional side to the film exists and that makes it way more intriguing to watch. Like in the poster, the costume of the main girl was very beautiful to look at. So there's an aesthetic value attached to the film.

I think(?) there's a sequel to this film which is MUCH NEEDED because the ending left scope for a lot to happen. I think this has convinced me to read the manga and watch the anime because I've clearly not got enough of these characters. There's also a lot more story that can be told and I want more- so yeah.

I am super glad I didn't pass it up because that would've been such a waste. Hopefully by the time the subs come out for part 2, I'll have read the manga and I hope there will be more romance. The leads are so cute that I-can't-even...... Go watch it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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After a long time waiting for this, I finally got the chance to watch. If you are familiar with the anime or the manga, you can follow the story and will have a better eye to evaluate the movie, but if you don't know anything about the story, I highly recommend you watch least the anime right now, because IT IS SO GOOD, and you don't know wwhat you are missing all this time.
I was very satisfied with the movie overwall, Chihaya is very accurated, so as Arata and Taichi. And OMG, how not to love Taichi!!! I could feel the same passion for this actor as I felt for the character in the anime, he was my favorite this movie. He is one of the most "real" I have ever seen in a manga, because he is not perfect (this is realy hard to find in a male lead). To supporting roles are so wonderfull too! They are exactly the same as the anime, so the cast was totally very well chosen. Don't get me wrong but I hate when I watch a live action and they change a lot of the story or the cast doens't look like the original story, I know that real people are not like anime/manga, but at least make their hair and style the same.
The music is good, but I didin't end this live action looking for the OST.
I am sure I will be back for this movie whenever I feel bored, because it is very well done.
I also have to say that the moments when they are playing karuta are not boring at all, I find it really interesting how they can make a movie about a card game and make the playing parts so good (I asked myself this while watching the anime too, because I though at first I will think it was boring.) - I love the cards flying and that stuff.
So, if you guys didn't watch the movie - GO and watch it. If you already watched - GO and find the anime. You won't regret it. It is a josei story but it is REALLY good.

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There are few movies adapted by manga that can pull of the whole action thrill. And this one nails it. The game, probably a bit odd for those of us who don't know it, doesn't appeal much at first. But, somehow, the movie manages to present it as thrilling as any other sports game. The action is packed and the team dynamics perfect. However, the movie centres around the game, which means that its sole focus is that and other parts of the movie, such as the romance and the friendship that faced some hardships, were overlooked. There were some hints here and there, but they are not sufficient enough to complete the picture of what happened in the past. That said, in addition, the film doesn't really present its characters personalities and unique colours in depth. Finally, the performances were good and the movie, overall, enjoyable.

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A perfect movie, not an exaggeration

For reference, I have not watched the anime nor read the manga so this is solely off of the movie.

This movie is perfect. Like so enjoyable, there is not really any glaring errors or anything I would improve. If you watch this for Mackenyu, I'm here to tell you he's not in this movie much but it's okay because Hirose Suzu CARRIES this movie and Nomura Shuhei as Taichi is impressive as well but Hirose Suzu stole the show for me. And on a shallow note, all three are extremely attractive, so if that's a selling/pushing point for you, there you go.

Story:
A movie that combines high school life +passionate hobby + friendship + the absolute smallest amount of romance = perfection. I don't really care if it's a plot similar to other hobby based movies/dramas/animes, it's the execution that counts. I loved how realistic it was, not all of the new players were godly and they had their own struggles. Even the main leads had their own internal struggles they had to deal with. I remember yelling at my screen rooting for our protagonists. It's one of those movies that sucks you in and makes you feel like you're watching beside them and rooting for your friends.

Acting:
Hirose Suzu carried the fuck out of this movie. This is because, well, she is the main character, and sometimes female leads suck in movies/shows because of the way they're characterized as weak (and I'm not necessarily someone who cares about having STRONG FEMALE LEADS). This FL was fucking awesome. She was so passionate and genuine about Karuta, I was engrossed in her character and her acting was extremely impressive. No cringy moments with her at all.

Music:
I don't really pay attention to music unless it's amazing so nothing much to say here.

Rewatch:
I would 100% rewatch this movie. It's one of those friendships + we have to do something + I'm passionate about a hobby movies without any heavy reliance on a romance plot. It was so enjoyable and so much fun to watch. Usually I would get bored and go on my phone but watching this movie I was glued to my screen.

When finishing this movie, I had a blast. I literally had nothing to complain about. Maybe if I really thought about it the side characters could have had more screen time (?) but honestly the story isn't about them. It's about Chihaya, Taichi, Arata, and Karuta. I LOVED THIS MOVIE. I never give reviews a 10 but this is the one movie I'll give a 10. It's a fun watch with great performances and a fun dramatization of a sport/hobby I've never seen before. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECCOMMEND

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One of the best live actions i've ever watched. First of all i didnt really interested with story about the card sport but it took me by surprise. After i watched it, it's more than the game but it has friendship, family and love. I was so glad that this one will be a trilogy, i'm addicted to it. Even though i dont read the manga nor watch the anime, but i can understand why this series has many fans.. I kinda like Kurata, it's a card sport game that require a lot of attention and strong mental lol... I love all the characters especially Niku, he's so cute.. Although Arata is a looker but I hope my Taichi. Chihaya i hope you choose the right man for yourself, the one who always stay by your side hihihi.

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Beautifully excuted each part of the movie ,thoroughly enjoyed while watching it.
You are not fail till you not give up ,so Never give up .Fight till your last breath so there will be no regrets .We should give 100 % rest leave in the lap of the god ...Hard work always pay .All this thing taught in this drama .So nicely they present the message . Spirit of fighting ,focus and strong determination as well as love and respect towards the game .so nicely they had shown .Sometimes I felt in real I am watching a game so nicely they did an acting .Amazing
Since starting they introduced the name ofArata ,I thought he is a main character but he only shared few scenes and at last they hide his face .I think second season going to have his story . I like the last part when he confess to him ,In hindi there is a proverb "der aai durasat aai " this sentence if I translate according to word so it means you come late but you come healthy so it means though he accepted his fault though he was late in confess ,yes he damage him ,he make him loose his competition but all the time he realised his mistake and finally he confessed so I think he should forgiveness but in one condition that he should not have further internal evil thoughts.
All the actor and actress in this movie so cute ,so charming and so beautiful .They did amazing work ...
I like this game I never heard about this game ,first time I heard about this game and felt it is very interesting game . What I understand about this game that it needs lots of concentration ,focus and patience ..

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Wow, I came into this thinking the actors wouldn't fit the characters but wow I was wrong- they portrayed them how the manga and anime wrote them out to be. The writing was good to begin with and this script was good but these actors really carried the emotions and my heart is so tired from the ups and downs, the tension and release. The music wasn't memorable, but it did frame the scenes well.

I'm not sure how much is lost to someone watching this before the manga or anime. I believe it stands alone well though I feel like I got much more out of it based on my knowledge of the subtle culture cues and the story line. Definitely give it a try none the less!

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