Japanese Movies

Masterpiece! What else can I say? I'd rate it 11/10 stars if I could.

Just read my review on it, and you'll understand why: https://mydramalist.com/13642-seven-days-monday-thursday/reviews

To make room on my list so I can showcase another movie when this list first pops up (before clicking on it), I have moved the sequel to Seven Days: Monday-Thursday, Seven Days: Friday-Sunday, to a lower position on this list. Not because I don't think it deserves the #2 spot! Because I do! Just to be clear! Just to be able to spread some light on another work from Japan that I consider to be amazing and/or absolute perfection.

Can be found on free websites

10/10.

I saw this some years ago. But, I didn't want to mark it as completed because I couldn't remember if I saw all of it or not. So glad I decided to rewatch it! It still holds up to the image I had of it in my mind. In fact, it turned out to be even better than I remembered.
 
I'm very proud this was one of the first Japanese movies I saw. I love how this movie is not solely about romance. It actually takes a backseat for a majority of the movie and focuses on friendship, the background of it's characters, peer pressure, and self-confidence issues.

I think one thing this movie is underappreciated for is how all of it's conflicts make sense. You can understand why and how things would happen with a character/characters because of the type of person/people they are.

I feel no hesitance when I say that this is a perfect movie. Don't let the over two hour runtime intimidate you. Every minute is well spent.

Can be found on free websites

What a dreamy movie. It felt like going on a long and slow walk around your hometown in the middle of the day.

Chihiro keeps such a positive outlook and attitude about life. It was sad to see her have such a full heart and spread so much joy in her community only to be alone so often. I feel it was the movie's way of quietly expressing how society had shunned her for her past as a sex worker, though.

How wonderful that she did find her people.

Regarding Representation: Color me surprised by the FL being able to quite easily be interpreted as Aromantic Heterosexual. I was not expecting it!

Can be found on Netflix

Really genuine, raw, calming, and hopeful.

I loved how they told the other people's stories and not just the main couple's. It truly felt like I was getting a special look into intimate details from their past experiences and what made them who they are today.

This was a beautiful movie.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Quite gory, but also stylistically beautiful. This was very unique. I can't compare it to the source material, but I very much enjoyed this.

Unlike many who reviewed/commented on this movie, I don't think they tried to make this just a bromance, even though that's what one of the tags says. I didn't get that at all.

I wasn't looking for it, but for me their relationship was a very quiet and subtle romance. It was implied enough that they knew, I knew, you knew, and we knew that their connection was deeper than merely friends and/or work partners. It didn't need to be overtly stated or shown with a kiss.

It was basically: We all know what's going on here. We don't need to talk about it because we already know.

Can be found on free websites

Beautiful. It was so real and the setting was gorgeous. They managed to capture loneliness and longing in Shun, and regret (as well as longing) in Nagisa.

These didn't feel exactly like the same people from the prequel, but I could see sparks of their old selves at times.

I was very moved by this movie. My emotions overcame me so it's hard for me to describe it as well as I normally would any other completed drama or movie as I keep thinking back to specific moments. Forgive me for that. Maybe I'm feeling as overwhelmed as Shun was, picking up the sweater and thinking back.

I do have to note how precious the kid, Sato, was. She was so sweet, brave, and curious about the world.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Also a masterpiece! And also worthy of being rated 11/10 stars.

My review for the first movie is the review for this second movie as well, since they are telling the same story.

Would be in the #2 spot but I wanted to make room so I could spread light on another movie from Japan that also deserves attention.

Can be found on free websites

Just . . . I was so happy to watch this.

Can be found on free websites

There is so much to say about this. The first time I saw it I was overwhelmed with emotions. And I find that's still the case this second time.

I hate sad endings normally. But, not this one. This movie is precious. Truly.

He wanted to support her but she was already strong. All along, she was really his rock. "I've already forgiven you. Now, forgive yourself."

Can be found on free websites

One of the most wonderful couples I've seen in a Japanese movie. They go so great together and they're both equally sweet. In my mind it's like they're already married. Also, can we just take a moment to appreciate a loving, non-toxic, supportive, and kind ML!

I wasn't expecting something so wholesome and great when I added this to my list.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I swear, this sequel was even warmer than the first movie. What a gentle and supportive love Aki and Haru have for each other.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

The main character is so different from the female leads I've seen before. She's not the typically goofy girl who trips all the time and blurts out whatever she thinks. She's incredibly reserved and says what she wants to say with her small physical actions and tells instead of words. 

The best comparison I have is Ram from My Engineer, but he's male. Both are characters in romantic stories with personalities I haven't seen before. I wish I had more like this! Then again, perhaps the novelty would wear off if that happened.

Note: My first Japanese Movie.

It conveys the reality of Queer life and just life: Masking, shit-talking, supporting, loving, and coping.

Others have put why this movie is so great into much more beautiful words. I'd simply recommend reading their reviews to understand.

Can be found through fansubbers/free websites

This hurt me in all the best ways. The direction and acting really sold all the tension-filled scenes. My only objective complaint was the unnecessary shakiness of the camera at times.

Otherwise, this was superb! It also was filled with some surprises I wasn't expecting.

I never felt like a scene was going on too long or any conversation/scene wasn't needed. Also, I loved how developed the side characters were and how this movie didn't play into what audiences may have expected or wanted to happen.

A movie about love, understanding, and family. It didn't take the easy way out but showed the often harsh and/or real experiences in life.

Life is full of tragedies. But, whether we like it or not, it continues and ends as it pleases. Cherry blossoms will bloom and fall. And the people around us will pass away with time. All we can do is greet another morning.

Can be found on Netflix (with a VPN) or rent/bought on YouTube

He finally claimed ownership! "He's mine. My Beautiful Man."

Link to Poem Post (in case you're curious): https://mydramalist.com/profile/8835865/feeds/k2OJ7IJ

Can be found on GagaOOLala or Rakuten Viki

Really sweet, and heartbreaking at certain points. This movie dares you to challenge the way you think about people with hearing impairments and gives you a different perspective. The relationship between the leads was also very natural.

Can be found on free websites

Ahhh! This was such a stress-free watch. These two! Everyone around them easily understands that they are meant to be with each other and intentionally tries to give them time together/avoid interfering with their relationship. And the quiet romance between them and near/unspoken confessions? My heart!

Not to mention, the overwhelming love of food and laid-back atmosphere made me feel like I was enjoying a delicious bowl of chicken soup on a cold day.

That sequel needs to be out already!

Can be found on GagaOOLala

I can't believe it took me this long to get to it!

It was interesting to see the growth they underwent here compared to the first and second seasons. One thing never changes, though: They continue to grow old and eat good food together. 

Can be found on GagaOOLala

This has to be one of the sweetest fucking things I've ever seen.

This showed from start to finish the embarrassing and exciting experience of finally talking to that person you're interested in and actually having them reciprocate. And all the missteps and moments of barely-mustered courage in between. From initiating a conversation and agonizing over what to say so much that you say very little, exchanging numbers, typing, deleting, and retyping the first text, to going on a date for the first time and making things official.

What a treasure these shy and real moments in a developing romance are.

Bless these two sweet, terribly awkward men.

That's it. That's all I had to say. NOW GO WATCH THIS MOVIE BECAUSE IT'S GOOD, I PROMISE! 

Link to watch it: https://sketchyblsubbingteam.netlify.app/sonokoi

I think I have to watch this for a third time before I can figure out what to rate it. For now, I will say that it is indeed a good movie.

I think I'd give it a 7.5/10 or an 8/10.

Update:

Rewatched it, and it is definitely a great movie. I really love the slow and thoughtful nature of it, as well as the metaphors, natural acting, more mature subjects/themes, and the way it was shot.

There is a reason I have seen this movie 5 or 6 times already.

I'm giving it an 8.5/10. I wish I could rate it between an 8.5/10 and a 9/10 though.

My rating is very generous. I know that. But, I can't help it! It's too funny! Looking for something to just burst out giggling/intensely laughing over with nothing serious in it? This is for you!

Something real and confusing (not in a negative way). But, that's life for you. It felt like I was going on the downward spiral with them, as well as the winding path. Their future is uncertain, but that's how it always was and always was going to be.

Very interesting movie. I really loved how they were able to clearly show the difference between Ryu and Noboru. They each had defined personalities and mannerisms. The camerawork and use of shadows was also well done. I'm glad I decided to give this movie a chance.

I don't think I could put into words the meaning and experience of this movie as well as the other reviewers on MDL. I share most if not all of their sentiments on its deep metaphors, coded conversations, excellent cinematography, many questions, and thought-provoking nature.

In my opinion it is best to experience this yourself to get the same feeling I did. Otherwise, you won't understand what I am unable to put into words while a select few are able to do so.

Really sweet,  and oftentimes funny, and has a twist ending?

I just now realized there was a twist ending! And, I've seen this a couple times before. I'm so dumb :)

It's very slice-of-life the majority of the film. That was when I liked it the most. I loved how it focused on this one out-there but wonderful family (the way the mother explained sex. Lol) and just told the story of their lives throughout the years with all the minor and major events included all told through Kaoru's perspective. The last 3rd or so does get rather twisted at a few points when Miki is involved however, and some parts of the story felt unexplained. I felt like a few problems related to her didn't get addressed like they should have for just how messed up they were. That being said, I did enjoy the movie, for the most part.

Regarding representation, while I ended up disliking Miki later on I did like the way her sexuality was handled. Her family seemed very open so a coming out was never needed, the implication was that it didn't really matter who she liked (in fact the only one who ever asked her a question about it was her brother, Kaoru, but the answer didn't even seem to matter to him). Even during the girl she was interested in's big speech there was never a shot of her parents being horrified nor was there a confrontation scene. Life just went on.

I would give it an 8/10 because of the criticisms I mentioned above, but because of the 2/3 of the film that was great I'm giving it a higher rating.

Can be found on free websites

This was on-the-run Lesbian-manic-pixie-dream girl meets murder. And . . . I kind of liked it?

Are many lines and themes able to be pinpointed as having been included for/due to the male gaze? Absolutely (now I will argue with some as having been due to the character herself viewing the world/her sexuality/relationship/herself that way). But, as a whole, I found this experience crazy yet raw and real. The movie simply says, "Here." It doesn't tell you how you have to feel about it. I liked that they didn't try to glamorize the two girls' relationship, whether in the past or present, they not only miscommunicate but also manipulate and hurt each other. I will say, if you've never loved someone so much you'd be willing to drop everything in your life the moment they call or text you, or had someone you keep giving second chances to, I'm not sure you'll quite be able to give this a fair chance.

All in all, you might hate me for saying this, but I'd actually . . . Kind of . . . Recommend it.

Can be found on Netflix

An interesting movie. But, it broke my heart.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

A snappy, fun, and heartfelt movie that continued things from where the drama left off very well.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Just a very sweet and uplifting movie.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or on free websites

Fun and funny. Just don't take it too seriously and don't ask too many questions, and you'll enjoy it!

Now, this was just downright fun and sweet! I adored how Karin while growing up pampered, is not the least bit stuck up. On the contrary, she is sincere and willing/eager to try new things and learn. 

Can be found on free websites

An inspiring movie about proving people wrong and chasing a dream.

Can be found on free websites

Moving, but the ending is sad. Maybe it's not supposed to be . . . But it makes me sad. 

There are some more . . . Adult scenes in here though that came out of nowhere. Had to skip those as they were too intense for me. Otherwise, this was a great film. 

I'd watch it again, and I have.

My Bi heart soared with this. So many androgynous-looking people!!!

. . .

I felt spoiled . . . So spoiled. Lol :)

This was such a nice change of pace from what I've been watching lately. Very sweet and with people I actually find personally attractive.

The added .5 is just because of how badass and attractive all the female characters were and the fact that the romantic interest of girls in the female band was encouraged and cheered on.

It was mundane but not boring. And I liked the overly casual tone it took with everything, as it felt kind of unique. However, many plot points didn't seem to make sense to include or could have been left out entirely without feeling anything was missing.

Not a movie I regret watching, but not one I would necessarily recommend. I mean, if you're starved for Sapphic content, then sure.

Can be found on free websites

Really sweet. That's my best description :)

This movie is an interesting watch. The flirting and banter is Very subtle, and fun to decipher. There is almost no drama and very little happens. But, that's okay.

It's slow and a bit confusing. But, for some reason, I come back to it every couple years.

Not too much to say about this since it was so short and really serves to catch the audience up and prepare us for the next story. I will say that it was well-acted just as before and the music and camerawork was great as well.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I couldn't find the proper subtitles for this for a very long time. It was a really disappointing feeling.

I am glad I was able to cross this off my list after signing up for GagaOOLala. It's been a really useful service.

I don't know how to feel about this though. I really don't. I liked parts of it. But, I don't really know how to critique it.

I guess I'll give it a 6/10?

Need to go back and rewatch/rerate all the Takumi-kun series

This could have been much better. The acting was good and the shots were nice. But, some parts didn't add up in the end and some very important things weren't addressed at all. I wanted to really like this, but I just couldn't.

Ummm... I don't know what to think. It's some kind of  light horror movie with a conclusion that doesn't work? Sometimes it felt like it really had something to say or something it was actually saying. But, other times it felt like it was being shocking just for the sake of being shocking. Near the end I thought it was going somewhere but then it sort of abruptly stops.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

There were some incredibly graphic scenes (when I say graphic, I mean Very graphic) I had to skip because they made me uncomfortable. Also, the main couple didn't seem to have very much chemistry. Now, that wouldn't generally be enough for me to dislike this movie. There are other things I disliked.

About a third of the way through I thought the story was going to go somewhere more interesting . But it never did. I was also disappointed that the main character seemingly never changed in any way. There wasn't really any growth or development.  And the ending was rather disappointing. 

There was a little interesting symbolism, a couple interesting moments, and some well-shot scenes. But, it wasn't worth watching. The actors aren't at fault here. It was the script and direction that made this movie fail for me.

I'll admit it, 4.5/10 was too harsh okay? I think 6/10 is more fitting and still fits my feelings about this movie.

Maybe I should rewatch/rerate it

Eh. *shrugs* It took me back to early 2010 J-BLs. But while it had the same tropes, bordering on toxic personalities/messages, and bad haircuts, it had none of the memorable overdramatic/iconic aspects as the previous Takumi-kun series.

Really, rather than rewatching the first Takumi-kun series or any of the others, if you want to see something ACTUALLY good, go watch the Seven Days movies. Seriously, go watch them if you haven't already! How many times do I have to tell you?! This has been a PSA from Mademoiselle Noir. Thank you.

Link to @Furritsubs page with subs: https://furritsubs.wordpress.com/2024/03/24/takumi2023-engsubs/

Trash. Literal trash. I regret the time I spent watching this. It was a waste of the precious minutes I had left on this earth. Don't waste your time on this.

If you want to know why I hated this so much, check out my review for the movie.

I'd give this 0/10 stars if I could.

I can't seem to find where to watch this. I can only find clips. I'll keep searching!