Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!: The Movie (2022)

Wizard Husbands - The Movie

This was another one of those rare cases where I liked the sequel better than the original. Cherry Magic! The Movie is still lighthearted and fun, just like its predecessor, but it is much more grounded in reality and has an important core message.
Rather than focusing on the conflicts and misunderstandings that arise from long distance relationships, as the summary made me believe, this movie instead showcases the struggles a queer couple face in everyday life and in their relationship and, what's more, does it with such heartfelt and tender care that I genuinely teared up a few times.

What I loved the most was Kurosawa and Adachi coming out to their parents and deliberately choosing not to keep their relationship separate from the rest of their lives. I found both scenes very deftly handled and quite touching, and their inclusion was incredibly meaningful, both for the characters and for queer viewers such as myself.
And last but not least: the marriage. In the immortal words of The Impressive Clergyman: "Mawwiage is what bwings us togetha" and bring them together it does. Rarely have I seen a more perfect happy ending for a perfect happy story.

If you liked the show or are looking for an easy-to-watch queer romance with a lot of depth and love, I highly recommend you this movie.

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A little slow but a good conclusion for a great series

It’s very lovely, though I do agree with others that the film lost some of its “magic” from the original series.

It’s fine that they dropped the mind reading element, but it did feel that some of the more lighthearted, funny moments were missing. Admittedly, this also had more heartfelt moments, which held their own merit.

Overall, it helped act as a final conclusion for the series and made their story feel more complete. Which I think is the most important thing when creating a concluding movie for a beloved series.

I would recommend to anyone that enjoyed the original series. It does provide additional closure to their story.

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Wholesome and brave: focuses on their future, which is SO important

I'm no expert, but I think this is a great addition to Asian queer cinema, especially when you think about how same-sex marriages isn't even legal in Japan (as of June of 2022). This movie gave a sincere and wholesome story to a gay relationship and, most importantly, let them have a future of happiness. I think it's a brave movie.

This review will have vague/brief comments and then will have more detailed-specific spoilers.

Vague spoilers:

From the trailers, it seemed like the entire plot of the movie was going to be about their separation due to work and how they were going to struggle with communication and not being together. Which, I think, would've been fine too but it would've been a lot of strain and angst for a new budding relationship. Instead, the movie pivots halfway and adds another layer: it's about them, after figuring out what they truly want, moving forward together. It's a coming out story to the people they love. And it is handled so carefully, so beautifully. And the supporting cast makes their appearances, which was a delight, but this story is really about Adachi and Kurosawa's future. And I cried, laughed, and my heart was full. I'm so so happy for them. There is a tiny thread about the second couple that I felt could've been better, but I still enjoyed seeing them again on my screen.

The pacing may not be to the liking of those who wants something more fast-paced and exciting. This movie (and this drama) has never been about that. It's always been a gradual reveal and gradual understanding. It's tender. The quietness of the film amplifies the importance of their expressions, actions, and words. Truly well done.

Please go watch this movie (after watching the drama). You won't regret it.

Now, here is where I gotta be more specific and spoil the movie because I need to address a main complaint that I keep seeing from viewers.

STOP HERE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ SPECIFIC DETAILS ABOUT THE MOVIE.
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I'm just going to say it: we do not get an explicit, lip-to-lip kiss. There. So if you're here to see that, you won't get that. They do kiss but, with the camera angle, you are not shown the lips touching.

People complaining about not seeing a kiss in the movie is a valid opinion, but a lot of people seems to fetishized it more than anything. They just want to see two cute/hot men kiss. That's, well, problematic. Especially when it's coupled with wrong reasonings like claiming that the movie "queerbaited" the audience. Please, stop throwing that word around like that. Please, look up the definition of "queerbait." You are wrong if you think that this movie (or the drama) queerbaited. Oh my goodness. Also, please stop assuming the actors' sexualities and stop assuming that they have complete control over how the movie is made. They're actors. They're not the producers, directors, editors, or stakeholders. Unless the actors have said it themselves that they don't want to kiss same-sex actors, please stop claiming that it's the actors who are "too straight" to do a gay kiss. I beg you.

Personally, I think a kiss could've been cool but I have no issue either way. I think this movie could've championed LGBTQ rights even more than it already does by showing an explicit kiss, thus breaking the taboo of seeing same-sex people kiss. But it didn't do that. Fine. I can understand in some ways considering Japanese's current trend of BL dramas and how Japan literally still don't recognize same-sex marriages.

The movie still delivered a beautiful story that focused on the main characters' growth, especially Adachi, and focused on choosing to be together publicly. It's well done. Adachi in the drama and at the start of the movie has often relied on his power to understand people and to gather the courage to communicate to others. Sometimes, he relies on it TOO much and so the movie focuses on getting Adachi to move away from that. Once they truly settle into one another, they think about their future together--and they do want that: to be together for as long as they live. And they don't want to be hold back by laws and society. So the movie gently shows the anxiety and difficulty in coming out to the people you care about but the necessity in doing so and the importance of it.

I love this movie, this drama, and these characters. It never fails to make me feel a whirlwind of emotions. Also, the fact that they get married--when Japan again literally does not recognize same-sex marriages at this time--is SO important. The lack of explicit lip-to-lip kissing truly doesn't undermine anything in this movie.

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the leads repulsed by the thought of having one kiss

when i watched the serie first, i can tell that both dont want to kiss but i was like "whatever" the story was so good then and fun so i was able to ignore it but here the movie is kinda slow, not many things going on and the fake kisses?? i mean i will not mind if there is no kiss at all instead of making fake kiss scenes while its so obvious that they are not kissing and it make me wonder ,why those people act as a couple in bls if it make them feel so uncomfortable? look its not a bed scene or anything but one kiss repulse them and i just find it ridiculious? stick to straight series if you cant deal with acting in a bl because i watch and as a viewer i dont get the feels that "those two are in love" their scenes do look awkward asf.
only 2 positive things i want to mention , i like Kurosawa's character , so understanding so patient,so supportive and so in love, the other thing is Yutaro i love his blond hairstyle look so good on him and he is so pretty, i wish to see him in another bl but as a main character instead

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dont believe the negative reviews

cherry magic the series is one my favorite bls of all time so i was nervous looking at reviews for this movie and seeing mixed reception. but trust me if you liked the original series you will like this movie.

PRODUCTION:
i feel like the quality was overall nicer looking than the original series - maybe due to a bigger budget. i dont really recall the music but the absence of the opening from the orignal series is dearly missed. though the callback to it was brillant. dont have much to say other than that.

STORY:
now i do think the story has some continuity issues - esp if you have watched the specials you'll question if the specials are even canon anymore due to the timeline of the film. there is another thing also but i do want this to remain spoiler-free. i also do feel like the movie jumped around a lot - it honestly could've aired spilt up into a couple of special episodes or a 2nd season. but the writing does very much still line up with the quality of the series tho i dont find the movie to be as funny as i do the series.

CHARACTERS / CASTING:
adachi (akaso eiji) is one of my favorite bl protagonist. and he still shines through here but you can tell he has grown from the series and even in this film you see him grow as a character to be someone different compared to his beginning.

kurosawa (machida keita) the loml. the BEST bl love interest. can never do wrong. i dont really think we get to see as much of his dorkiness and lovable personality as much as we do in the original series which is a shame. but i still love every moment kurosawa just looks at adachi in this movie.

akaso and machida's acting together is what really sells cherry magic in general. you compare the amount of intimacy to other bl airing these days and even at the time it originally aired. i see bls where couples do much more than adachi and kurosawa do on-screen. but i will still take adachi and kurosawa anyday just them sitting next to each other and talking or even just looking at each other carries so much weight. seeing their relationship struggle but eventually grow in this film is such a delight. every second that adachi and kurosawa are on screen they sell this movie. i dont think anyone else ever could. i will truly miss not being able to have anymore of them in the future i love them.

i do wanna say if you are looking for more tsuge and minato you dont get much - which honestly for me was a good thing because they were the only thing i didnt like in the series so having less of them made this even better.

CONCLUSION:
altough i think if i had to choose i do prefer the original series. i think was its own season rather than a movie thus couldve taken more time with its story it wouldve maybe matched up completely to the series. but i still really loved this film as a continuation and ending (cries) to cherry magic. there are scenes and dialogue that will speak to you and just seeing adachi and kurosawa together should be reason enough. you have been holding back on watching this film because you want it to be as a good as the series - dont do that. if you enjoyed the series you'll enjoy this film as well ♡

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Magically Obsessed

MY TOP FAVORITE BL

I am still riding on cloud nine while writing this. It's been years since the release of the series but the feelings I felt during their airing days still live within me. And yes! Early this year, they announced that the movie version is coming out soon. I waited for years and months, and all I can say is that the wait is worth it.

Fluffy, a source of happiness, eye candies, charming, exquisitely appealing, tender, lovely, and all of the positive adjectives that perfectly suit this beautiful story. I am delighted that they presented a new flow of scenarios never seen in the series, as this is the continuation of their love story. The camping was too aromatic and the New Year celebration was pleasantly entertaining.

The plot was the couple’s long-distance relationship. I adore how supportive both of each other's achievements, despite knowing that it may hugely affect them. Once again, this movie allows me to question where to find a Kurosawa of my own. After knowing that Adachi has been in an accident, our best boy runs from Tokyo to Nagasaki looking pale and wet when he finds Adachi. I love this guy so much! The 8-months long distance relationship is hard to fight but the two finally conquered it. I am just disappointed that, the same with the series, they didn't give us an on-screen kiss but instead give us a kissing scene where they have to cut during the highlight. On the good hand, Keita and Eiji can pull out the whole show without being so intimate.

Soon later, they decided to live in one house. I am so overwhelmed with the amount of cuteness that Kurosawa has from this. From taking too long to eat the food prepared by Adachi since he's trying to remember it for the rest of his life, to taking several photos of Adachi wearing the clothes he bought for him; he is just so lovely!

Here we go, the plot twist of the movie, introducing one another to their respective families. But before this, I was laughing so hard when Adachi was presenting his resume and the written reasons why he is applying to be Adachi's partner. Overjoyed when Kurosawa was warmly accepted by Adachi's family. This boy has been secretly in love with Adachi for years and looks where he is now, approved by his boyfriend's parents. "I want to share my life and have a future with him." Kurosawa to Adachi's family.

One of the best things from this movie is that Adachi leveled up his game. After losing his ability to read minds, he became too real about his feelings and showed more affection to Kurosawa. I super love his lines to Kurosawa, "When you're weak, I'll be strong." Yes! Someone like Kurosawa needed these kinds of words to hear, especially coming from the apple of his eye. Congratulations to both of you for winning the approval of Kurosawa's family too.

The engagement at the ocean was a growth for them, from Kurosawa offering a matchy pen before to now that both of them wear an engagement ring, I am just so happy. And here we go, the finale that all of us want to happen, our KuroDachi is officially a married couple. The matching wedding suits are looking so great on them. This special moment literally bought continuous happy tears from my eyes. The look of everyone who is so important to them when the two walked down the stairs was just so heartwarming.

Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! has always reserved space for my heart even after how many years will pass by. The nostalgic vibes I felt from watching this movie brought me back to when I was so patient in waiting for each episode to air during their release. The original version is so great too, the manga has more scenes from the couple and I am recommending it to many as well. I guess I already said all the things that I wanted to write in this review after watching the movie. One thing is for sure, the cast, the story, and the characters, are always living gratefully in my heart! I love you all and I am wishing for absolute pure happiness in life.

Sincerely,
An avid fan that magically changes his world from your healing love story.

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This is the kind of sequel from a BL that I like. Not much drama, a lot of lovey-dovey scenes, even if the plot isn't so great (which a lot of sequels or continuations are known for). These continuations are fundamentally for fan service – just so the fans have a satisfying overall quench from a great series.

Not a lot of people would like this if they aren't fans of the couple. Because this was probably mainly done for the supporters of the fandom.

These are the kinds of BL movies that I like. They may be not as unique nor full of twists and turns but just feel good, cute scenes and satisfying endings.

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Una continuación que vale la pena.

¡Hola, gente hermosa! Hoy toca hablarles de otra película en esta cuenta, pero no de cualquier película, sino del cierre (?) de Cherry Magic, aka, el mejor BL que existe.

Para resumir esta trama y no spoilearles nada innecesario, tienen que saber que Adachi y Kurosawa ahora son una pareja, pero su relación termina siendo puesta a prueba cuando a Adachi le ofrecen ir a trabajar a otra ciudad...

Cherry Magic es amor, Cherry Magic es magia, Cherry Magic es fangirleo asegurado... Podría hacerles una lista entera de razones por las que creo que la serie es una maravilla que todos deberían ver, pero... ¿Qué pasa con la película? Bueno, digamos que la película es un gran cierre para esta historia, pero en cuanto a lo que me generó, no hay punto de comparación con el dorama.

El feeling de esta continuación es bastante diferente. Digamos que la cosa se puso más "seria", cosa que no necesariamente es algo malo, pero por ahí leí a alguien decir que parte de la "magia" se perdió y creo que esa es la mejor forma de definir lo que sentí al ver esta película.

A ver, no se tomen lo que dije como algo súper negativo, please, este cierre me gustó mucho: los personajes siguen siendo hermosos (Kurosawa es y siempre será el hombre definitivo, Adachi es muy simpático y relatable, los personajes secundarios son todo lo que está bien...), la trama se desarrolla de forma lógica y no agrega conflictos innecesarios, el final me pareció muy bueno, etc. Lo que pasa es que el ritmo se siente diferente, y por eso también creo que hacer una película y no una segunda temporada con la misma historia fue la desición correcta.

Igual, algo que le aplaudo un montón a esta nueva trama es que tocó algunos temas que se esquivaron un poco en el dorama (sobre todo en lo referente a las familias de los protas).

En definitiva, no creo que la película fuera innecesaria, me dejó muy conforme y fui feliz al reencontrarme con estos personajes a los que amo. Eso sí, la serie la volvería a ver mil veces, la peli no sé si es algo que volvería a visitar seguido, pero sí la recomiendo un montón y creo que vale muchísimo la pena verla.

•IG DE RESEÑAS CORTAS: @altoplottwist

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DIGNA CONTINUACIÓN DE LA SERIE

Muy probablemente, si habeis llegado hasta aquí, os habreis visto la serie y ahora os disponeis a ver la película. Si no la habeis visto aún, miradla antes. Es cierto que la trama se puede seguir perfectamente, porque es sencilla, pero gana muchos puntos después de haber visto la serie.

La película vista objetivamente, sin tener en cuenta la serie, tiene una trama sencilla, bastante lineal, y tiene menos encanto que la serie PERO, como secuela si que funciona. Estamos acostumbrados a finales felices y abiertos en los que los protas se quieren, y aquí es donde la película empieza, justo al final de la serie. Nos encontramos ante una serie bastante intensa y empalagosa, y la pelicula se ve que ha buscado darle un cierre a los personajes.

El ritmo de la película es muy japones: contemplativa, lenta, sobre todo la primera mitad, en la cual la trama nos sirve como empujón para llegar a la trama final. Es cierto que después de tantisima dulcura, nos encontramos con dos personajes igualmente lindos y que se aman con locura, pero con un amor más real y con pespectiva.

En resumen, está bien la película, pero menos bien que la serie

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Falls somewhat flat compared to the drama (but still a good watch)

First part of my review contains no spoilers and the second does. Read at your discretion.

First part:

I'd generally recommend this drama to people and this movie as a continuation of it. It's a solid ending which wrapped all of the fluffy things in neat wrapping paper. You see characters grow and develop alongside some side stories which do make an impact as to how this entire Cherry Magic ordeal is perceived.

Second part:

Their chemistry was lacking compared to the drama. It felt as if though I was constantly at the edge of my seat waiting for that impressive finish line cross and it didn't happen. Not even a singular kiss. It was certainly interesting seeing how queer people navigate interpersonal relationships with their families and friends in Japan (as opposed to where I'm from), but I anticipated just a tiny bit more skinship - or, if that wasn't an option due to the actors, more romantic scenes. But it just felt as if the energy was off a bit overall.

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One of my most favorite series

This series has been such a joy to watch. From the cinematography, casting, and the story itself, so much effort has been put into making this. One of the best BLs ever, that unlike most of the genre, focuses on a healthy relationship. Furthermore, I appreciate how the characters were never pressured into physical intimacy. There is not a lot of kissing scenes but it just further portrays how deep their love is. Kurosawa and Adachi will forever remain in my heart with their fluffy romance. Thank you to the actors Keita Machida and Eiji Akaso for making this series come to life!

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