Our Secret Diary (2023)

Old School Courting with burning angst

Something normal to brighten up your mood. Explains this one perfectly. The context of diary exchange is very familiar of diary exchange, but that one lie made things complicated and beautiful. The storytelling came out beautifully with the acting, music and the way it was captured.
The scenes even with mute can be predicted not only due to the familiarity but also due to the way the actors convey it. Their eyes and expressions speak louder than words.
1. The way Nozomi's character is sketched out was a bit off for me, this might change with perspective.
2. The start felt off, I had second thoughts but trust me it gets better. You just have to make it past about 15 minutes or so.
3. The limited plot. A very hard concept to find nowadays. People just prefer dramatic twists and turns. This one for a change stuck to the main theme and concluded on it.
4. The smaller chunks of portraying friendship amongst teenagers had me hooked. An important aspect right there: Apologize. You will know once you watch it.
5. While the lie kept me on edge burning with angst till the end. The revelation felt so so so good. I can't describe it in words.
6. Apart from those initial 15 mins, this will keep you engaged. A lot of parts were really heartwarming...
That's it for this one. But definitely a rewatch worth movie when you just want something cozy and sweet.

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Main characters who loves ROCK BAND!

This is my first time I'm giving a review in a Japanese movie. Because most of the time, I really like watching Japanese drama so why don't I give it a try to watch japanese movie. And I can say that i really love it! In this movie, it's not all about love but they also show the love between friends and family.

First, I'm so touch when the time that female lead have a misunderstanding between her friends but in the end they try to resolve it for making saying sorry to each other and it show that they value their friendship. Second, the male lead have a struggle between choosing his passion on his sports or caring his grandmother and younger sister. He is willing to give up soccer just to take care his grandma. And it shows that the male lead really love and care to his family. And last, the love between the female lead and male lead was so cute. Because of their love, they really can't stop theirselves and keep writing on the notebook so even they know that it seems not right. You should find it why it's not. ? I also love the songs they play and I like the rock band also! ?

Their chemistry is so fantastic. I really love it. The female lead is so cute and pretty and the male lead is so handsome especially when he smile. In comes to their plot, i didn't expect that you can like someone you don't know just because they give you a motivation and write it on your desk. But at the end of the story, I understand why the male lead loves her is because she gives him a motivation to follow what he wants to do. That's it. 9.5/10!❤️

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Its actually quite good!

I thought this would be a basic cringy cheese cliche movie, but although cliche, it had its moments when I watched it. The characters were well-developed, and their actions had meaning and made sense! The feelings didn't feel forced, and they were somewhat realistic. The use of music in the film was also a great choice, metal isn't something you see often in Japanese movies.

The only cons I would say are that at the start it was almost awkward to get into and the music can throw you off if you thought it was simply a basic rom-com. It isn't exactly a unique film, it used common tropes but it did it very well. I would recommend this to others and rewatch myself!

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Um romance fofo e leve, muito bom para se assistir para passar o tempo!

Primeiramente, gostaria de elogiar a atuação da protagonista! Ela fez um papel muito bom sobre uma personagem introvertida, tímida e que tem dificuldade de se expressar! Ela simplesmente deu de tudo e é possível sentir tudo que a FL sente, passa e pensa porque a atuação é ótima!

Por ser um filme, a história é bem rápida! Eu gostaria que pudesse ser um pouco mais longo e que mais dos personagens fosse explorado! Mas ainda assim, foi algo bom para se ver pela madrugada! Um enredo sem dramas, sem triangulo amoroso e que conta uma história fofa de um romance adolescente!

É um famoso clichê colegial, mas para quem gosta, ele tem seu valor.

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not groundbreaking, but definitely cute

this was quite a predictable movie, but sometimes you need a feel good romance that doesn’t try too hard to surprise you LOL. the start was a bit iffy because of the shy acting and such but im glad i stuck with it. the characters grew on me, and for a high school romance, it delivered exactly what i expected: lighthearted, sweet, and fun. its not groundbreaking, but it’s the kind of movie you can relax and enjoy without overthinking. perfect for when you’re in the mood for something simple and cute!

pros:
characters are likable
sweet moments
easy to follow
great for fans of high school romance
low stakes
character development
pretty cast

cons:
slow start
lacks originality
predictable
not too much of emotional depth

overall, if your looking for something lighthearted and an easy 1 hr & 50m watch, definitely RUN to this

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Takahashi Is Set For Big Things

One of the few Japanese romances that doesn't rely on the tired old "trip grab and hug" trope. Takahashi absolutely smoulders as a moody ML who has his own private burdens. He is a versatile actor with a big future and it will be very interesting to see which roles he is offered as an older adult. The world is ready for Asian leads in Hollywood and European film, and it would be wonderful to see Japan's incredible talent receive greater recognition and roles.
Overall this is a very pleasant teen romance, with fantastic Japanese rock and a fabulous twist when how the two leads finally come to understand each other. All of the actors are highly capable and although it is a school setting with some compulsory scenes, the dialogue is modern and fresh. Stay watching to the very end!

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A perfect choice for a light-hearted, enjoyable watch.

"Our Secret Diary" is a delightful and heartwarming journey into the realm of teenage romance, a film that effortlessly captures the essence of youth, innocence, and the beauty of simple, unspoken emotions.

The story involves around Nozomi, a second-year high school student, who finds herself in the middle of a love confession mix-up. A twist of fate leads to an enchanting exchange diary with Setoyama, the school's heartthrob. While the premise sounds familiar, the film unfolds as a unique story, capturing the magic of high school romance with an authentic touch.

Much like the tentative steps of a first dance, the movie takes a moment to find its rhythm. The initial 15 minutes may feel a bit awkward, but it's a necessary stumble that eventually leads to a graceful flow through the lives of its characters. The beauty lies not just in what is said, but in the unspoken language of glances and expressions.

"Our Secret Diary" stands out in its commitment to simplicity—a rarity in a world obsessed with dramatic twists. The story stays true to its core theme, exploring teenage love and the delicate threads of relationships. This deliberate choice allows the narrative to breathe, creating a genuine and immersive experience.

The characters, portrayed with sincerity and charm, invite you into their world. Nozomi, despite an initial awkwardness, grows into a character with depth and relatability, unfolding like the pages of a cherished diary. The chemistry between the leads is evident, their interactions echoing with the sweet notes of first love.

The film extends beyond the realm of romance, delving into the often-overlooked things of teenage friendships. It becomes a canvas for lessons in understanding and forgiveness, underscored by the simple yet powerful act of apologizing. This touch of authenticity adds layers to the narrative, making it more than just a love story.

At the heart of the movie is a lie that serves as a catalyst for both angst and revelation. The storytelling skillfully navigates the complexities of unrequited love, leaving the audience with a satisfying emotional payoff. It's a reminder of the bittersweet nature of untruths and the joy that comes with resolution.

"Our Secret Diary" is, in essence, a symphony of emotions. Heartwarming moments are scattered like musical notes throughout the film, creating a lingering resonance that stays with you. The movie isn't aiming to redefine the romance genre; instead, it makes you to embrace the simplicity and beauty of young love.

*Don't miss the post-credit scene for an extra dose of charm.*

In a cinematic landscape often clouded with complexities, "Our Secret Diary" is a cozy and sweet retreat. It invites you to revisit the excitement of teenage crushes, the thrill of unexpected connections, and the warmth of genuine friendships. Like a familiar melody, it promises comfort—a movie to be revisited whenever you yearn for the simple and beautiful cadence of youth.

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cute romance movie <3

For a relaxed romance film, this one is a great choice! The movie is adorable, especially with the perfectly cast male lead – his looks are spot on. The chemistry between the leads feels natural, progressing from friends to lovers without any forced moments. I watched it twice, still amazed by the unexpected plot twist. Plus, I appreciated that they didn't portray the friend negatively after discovering the female lead's pretense.

While the plot is predictable with the inevitable conclusion of the main characters ending up together, the narrative skillfully balances themes of friendship, ongoing life, and personal growth. To enhance the experience, additional scenes depicting the characters after their confession would be appreciated.

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ADORABLE highschool romance that requires your attention to fully enjoy it

So m.y review might be abit weird, because for me this movie wasn't near a 9 for the first 45min of it, and that's not because the movie was bad but because I wasn't really paying attention to it.. I was feeling secondhand embarrassment and cringing because I never really recieved the right signal until way later.
The moment things hit me the movie's atmosphere changed drastically! I was drawn in a sea of cuteness and loveliness washing away everything and leaving me with nothing but fluff inside.
I must also note, that this is a really good romance where it stood its grounds without the need of comedy which isn't something I'm used to nor do I like to watch usually.

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Mistaken identity?

What to say about this little film that has not been said many times already? It is a cute high school romcom.

Every few years these movies are made for new generations of public: a story about a mousy girl who falls for the most popular guy in school (here it is through letters in a notebook). This one has an added twist since it is obviously an adaptation of the classic Cyrano. The girl thinks that the boy had fallen for her much smarter and prettier friend but since she is not interested in him, the girl decides to continue corresponding with him while pretending to be her friend.

I liked that even though this is a film made recently, there is practically not a single phone in sight: the mobile phone interactions have been brought down to a strict minimum for a change. The communication is often verbal, written and even through songs (I loved the song they used to apologize!). In today's world, where young people seem to have their fingers glued to phone screens, this film is a refreshing change, a throwback to romcoms of about 20 years ago 'complete with an accidental school radio live confession!)

This is nothing earth shatteringly new or particularly original but it is well produced and filmed. The actors are cute and portrayed their characters well, having decent chemistry. Nice watch for a Sunday evening.

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Tugs at the heartstrings

The basic premise is a misunderstanding, which-- I know, I know-- everyone seems to be tired of "these kinds of stories." But the acting in this (especially the ML) was SOOOO well done. This is a perfect example of a tired premise done perfectly, proving that nothing is ever really old/boring if it's done right.

The FML took me some getting used to, but I warmed up to her once I understood her social anxiety better. Poor kid. Anyway, this was ADORABLE and so good and gave me lots of butterflies. Loved it.

Shoutout to her best friend and the positive representation of female relationships.

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