Never been more Enraptured in my life

This series is a culmination of acting, plot, SFX and music; producing this grotesque beauty. Dynamically paced, viewers are not spared in this whirlwind of a rollercoaster ride. A modicum that distinguishes itself amongst other kdramas, yet in such a down to earth manner, your standards of not just K-drama but series or shows in general will never be topped ever again. It's almost inevitable you'll hate every single character, which is the true beauty and pinnacle of artistry of this series; a reflection that no human is purely good. Corrupted love is the main theme; Mo-mi's desire to be love is riddled in delusion, Oh-nam's love is a twisted obsession, Kyung Ja's maternal love is idolatry of for her son and so on. I've never paid much attention to rating Music when writing reviews, but the orchestral masterpiece of the bgm mirrors the twistedness of the characters and their motives. Yet, despite being the series being a reflection of our corruptness, the series balances this with the reminder that hope and goodwill is innate to humanity. Doing this with artful nuance and balance, the main message is a reminder that no matter how twisted our motives, purity and true love triumphs all. A riveting masterpiece and masterclass; this is truly the standard.

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Shows the power of storytelling

Judging it simply as a movie, Nagareboshi is a felicitous watch. I found myself watching this a few months after my initial watch because of how sweet and impactful the story line is. You're taken on a journey with Natsuko, witnessing her realise her husband's (Kensaku) eternal love. Watching Marie's story line was really heartening too, as you see her extending beyond being a witch, helping both Kensaku and Natsuko mature. There is another plot line running through the film which carries a twist, which only adds on to the rewatch value of Nagareboshi.

The casting made for this movie was splendid, with wiser Natsuko played by Matsuzaka Keiko and her younger counterpart, Taira Yuna, who gave perfectly identical mannerisms and acting. NHK certainly capitalised on the uncanny resemblance between the older and younger Kensakus; Funakoshi Eiichiro and Kiriyama Akito.

We're mostly used to splendid movies having heavy impactful themes or high action sequence, occasionally a movie such as this reminds us that simple can be as stellar and shining.

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I'm not kidding you, just watch it

This movie was an unexpected god sent. I was on a dorama and movie slump of mildly entertaining movies until I chanced upon this. I was scrolling through Tamashiro Tina’s credits and let me say; I’m very much blown away. Even with the edge that Tamashiro often brings to her movies, this movie is definitely one of her best projects. Eventhough the movie starts of unassuming, even then it has excellent production quality. It looks like a theatrical production even from the get go. It simply just gets more vibrant and more addictive as the movie set branches out into this punk rock eye candy diner restaurant that Bombero runs. I took intermittent pauses watching this and I was still drawn to Bombero and Tina and all the other characters that made this movie picturesque.

All the actors, Tamashiro, even the supporting characters were outstanding in this. Its just how magical and mystical this movie is. The OST is FANTASTIC. My gosh, the only movie I have given a 10/10 for music/OST. The upbeat moments were paired with ecstatic music and the more action packed ones had background tracks which got my heart pumping. Let me say this is one of the few movies that made me actually happy at the end from the reaction pov.

As for the plot, blown away. How can a movie be this addictive is so many aspects? I just wanna rewatch it as I am typing out this review, given that I’ve literally just finished it. Highly highly (I cannot stress enough) recommended. A layered movie that has no nonsense yet balances between being complex yet not convoluted and leaves you highly entertained. What are you doing still reading this, just watch it!

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Anxiety meets Inception meets Cult

You know a rollercoaster? Holding on to the bars, loops, the anticipation of a drop? You think you're going to drop but they cut in with an unexpected element; you can't see what is ahead of you. The adrenaline rush this movie makes you feel should be illegal, but that's the intended impact as if you're riding these waves of emotions and turns with protagonist aspiring-yet withdrawn-actor Kazuto.

It starts out by him getting stabbed, in the chest, during an audition. So he's fine, right? No. He faints after being confronted on his mediocre acting. Prone to seizures when confronted or placed in stressful situations, he barely gets by auditions, let alone life. Short on money, skill and hope, he crosses path with his estranged younger brother, Hiroki, who is too an actor. Just not one we'd normally think of. Hired by the "Special Actors" company, Hiroki persuades Kazuto to face his condition and aspirations head-on. Together they each take "stabs" at the different jobs accepted by the company, filled with actors and actresses alike and an eccentric boss. That's until they have to take the drop in the biggest job yet; infiltrate a cult.

Given a normal movie with unexpected ending(s), the rewatch value may diminish with every watch. However, Special Actors fleshes out certain issues and reminds us that at times we have fears that paralyse us beyond what is necessary. This reminder, since we tend to forget, would make the movie upon rewatching if not as good but even better than the first viewing. This is as we realise tiny details (overlooked in the first viewing) in the production that further layer this impactful story. Through Kazuto's forage, it makes sure to stab you with this important lesson every (re)watch; fears are vague and if we want to get better we have to turn on the light to see them clearly and tackle them head-on. Sometimes, we naturally find ourselves on the rollercoaster to that light switch. Sometimes...well the rollercoaster ticket can be bought ;)

Fantastic movie, I'd definitely be watching it again soon, let me know what you think!

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Somehow with Kusunagi's superb acting, the casts still florishes

Truly Kusanagi's acting is stellar in Typhoon Family/ Stormy Family. He fleshes out those moments of resentment and grudge while balancing it out with the deep-rooted care and concern his character would have as a son and a father. I would really rewatch this solely for his acting. I'd like to add Kotetsu's daughter, Yuzuki, has a brilliant casting. Both had strong striking faces, definitive of Kusanagi.

The cast really gelled well together in this tumultuous yet heart-warming movie. For a non-action/non-fantasy movie, it does a great job of keeping you interested with exposition and revelations as this dysfunctional, "disgusting" family reconcile with their father's passing. There were ample moments for you to even get to know the supporting cast and their role in this messy inheritance settling.

Like how "Kotetsu" is the main character's burdensome bohemian name, this movie is good use of your leisure time. It's certainly unique, exciting and bohemian enough to remind you that no matter how idiosyncratic family can be, all that is well will be well.

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Not Problem Students, rather Students with problems

If one turns away students from school, where will they go? Seito ga Jinsei wo Yarinaoseru Gakko offers an insight into shunned reform schools and the circumstances and triumphs students experience in their adolescence. This movie narrates the events through the staff's point of view, through new teachers Kiyama sensei (Acted by: Hirano Sho) and Okabe sensei (Acted by Hamabe Minami). We get to understand that it is not the students are "problem students". The adults in their lives have failed them; teachers have to step in through continuous trial and error to not only help them graduate but bring them into their next phase of life.

I do agree with Aehsassy's review, this will make you cry or feel like it. The plot is layered with a plethora of youth issues; Misaki's teenage pregnancy, Sagara's near poverty cycle trap. Konoha's abuse and neglect, Kakeru shouldering the responsibility of raising his younger siblings. Even the teachers come to terms with the strain of having to involve into their student's private life, or the temptation of resigning. For the complexity of issues sensitively covered from both the student's and teacher's point of view, this is a highly recommended watch.

Undoubtedly, I really feel this movie would be much more impactful as a series. The time afforded in an episodic series would have made this more impactful and memorable. However, the fact that this movie was still good despite having a short run time is a testament. I don't usually take note of OST in movies. Yet, the instrumental "Ode to Joy" does stir your heart while watching it. The slow cadence and the reassuring tone sets the right mood for empathising with the trials and tribulations. The way the students acted and the words of assurance of the staff will touch your heart. Adolescence and schooling presents troubling times for many, delinquent or studious. You may just find well written scenes in this movie that will help you come to terms or heal from that era of your life.

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Writing this review months since my last watch, that's how good it is.

One of those movies that you will rewatch. I seem to remember scenes from this movie from time to time that prompt me to rewatch it (at point of writing I've seen this three times).

Not surprisingly, as a movie on the Story of Life, this movie does a good job at purposeful exposition. This value adds to the characters as you understand the choices they make leading up to Chasuke's popularity. You'll come to understand that the writers in the afterlife may not be morally motivated, but simply write in a way which entertains themselves. Essentially, Chasuke descends to earth as he attempts to save Yuri. Over the course of the film, the viewer is also left to mull over the fact if he is simply just another written character or truly someone with full control of his life.

I found the characters simply charismatic and engaging throughout the film, besides the fantastic Matsuyama Kenichi as Chasuke and Ohno Ito as Yuri. Iseya Yusuke's portrayal of Hikomura was superb, as a character clearly given the shorter end of the stick in life. This movie will get one thinking; if everyone was given mercy and grace, would we truly be at peace, or would there simply be more chaos? For that value add, wonderful OST/music and magnificent visuals, this is a must watch.

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An Okay Watch

Off the bat, I felt that Okami (the Delinquent) and Kota (the Policeman) had more chemistry than the main duo, Kako (JK) and Kota.

I agree with earlier published reviews that the element of disbelief does make this movie outlandish to the point of disinterest and banality. Outlandish movies, no matter how wild, will have their in world logic. Sadly doesn't apply in "P to JK". This movie felt like a prequel and sequel conflated together. The main pair settling their mutual attraction could have been better fleshed out rather than skimped on for an extra story or background exposition. It would have made for a solid movie about "P to JK", rather than "P to JK to tomodachi".

The dilution is at the expense of the wonderful cast such as Kamenashi Kazuya (Kota), Tsuchiya Tao (Kako) who are sought after and known for their series and movies. Overall not outstanding, but not too bad to the extent of the cast, the acting and the visual of the movie. The plot? You're better off watching something else.

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Resolute Film Commemorating Life

This film is a commemorative NHK piece with a fairly decent feel-good factor. Following Kiyoshi as his thanks the people who helped him return to Paradiso, his italian-western restaurant previously ravaged by the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011.

You'll notice quaint details that lead to a twist near the end, but its nothing too shocking or ground-breaking. Rather it's pleasant because it shows how much Kiyoshi has matured and grown as an individual in his recovery process. You'll notice his transition from being a victim of disaster to being a self-made chef, wanting to fill the hearts and stomachs of the people who set foot in his restaurant.

This movie's purpose was likely for the reason of reminiscing on a cataclysmic day with a tinge of positivity, with its main message to live out life due to the people who lost their life that unfortunate day. To do the things one enjoys and to make up for the fun the deceased no longer had a chance to seize, because as long as we're alive, life is still enjoyable as this movie is.

Decent film with decent plot and cast as a respectful commemoration of a disaster turned into opportunity.

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those movies that make you feel great

You love Tsuchiya Tao? Watch this.
You love food? Watch this.
You love those "special place in your heart" movies? Watch this.

Relatively subtle, underhyped film befitting of the movie itself; reconnecting with one's family while making new connections. As you follow the main character, Yoshito, and food writer, Shizuka, you're drawn into the geniune food, stories and connections they build in the rebuilding of Negishi-en.

I was entertained by the modern editing of Yoshito and Tatsuya's rambles. There was edited text on what each thought was best for meat. Really illustrates the ideas in each characters' head and their respective passions in their monologues. Doesn't take too long to notice that they have the same magnitude of passion, just different directions.

For a movie about food, it reaches into universal human experiences, grievances we had with our parents, reconciliation, humility in learning and enjoying the present from the ordinary yet impactful food we have. This is where the movie fares better; because of how it value adds. Ultimately the main message of the movie is this realisation; what's important for meat and life, is the chef's wish for it to "be delicious". Not the fanciness, the origin or the grandiose. Simply decent love and strive.

I watched this movie while running. Usually, I find it hard to follow along movies for their lack of appeal or lustre. For a slow-paced movie, this was a solid watch. Something I'll find myself rewatching and not immediately deleting from my downloads.

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Chekov's Gun Galore

We're all familiar with that apoplectic feeling when you finish a movie and think of the possible loopholes and plot faults. This movie doesn't only recognise Chekov's gun, it thrusts it right into your temple saying, "What about it, you want to die once?"

A mix of rebellion, self-expression, discovery; this movie has it all (and numerous cameos). Watching this was really delightful. With the beautiful Nanase and her indifferent father, president of a pharmaceutical company, they both navigate through his "death". Whilst battling the odds to save him, subordinate "Ghost" Taku who has literally everyone doesn't realise is there, follows Nanase in her journey in the present and reconciliation with her past. She comes to realise that the cold, analytical exterior of her father is not all as it seems and soon starts to realise her place in her family and future. This movie packs more twists than a pretzel can accommodate (even at its epic ending), so if anything it tastes much better than a freshly baked pretzel any day.

From wishing death and holding masses in her death metal band to orchestrating possibly her largest display of affection for her father ever, Nanase's character development is not only refreshing, it's down-to-earth. Yet it's so felicitous you'll relate to this late bloomer of a rebel and come to love her and her interactions with her aides.

You'll also perhaps memorise the periodic table in Japanese while chanting "Death! Death!"...so there's truly much to learn and absorb from this movie. Rewatch value is definitely high. One of the better new releases of this year, do let me know what you think!

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Addictive Watch

Layered story of the regrets and lessons learnt when one errs early on in life. Briefly the movie follows two story lines of reconciliation and remorse.

Superb performance and method acting by Nagayama and Ikuta Toma, it truly does feel like you're watching a documentary with this cast and their raw, honest emotions. For a movie that takes the time to depict each character's journey, it's sequenced well as you anticipate the next scene and you're kept at the edge of your seat.

Although it can get a little convoluted, it's not to the point of confusion and encourages deeper focus and rewatch by the viewer. Furthermore, the movie covers heavy themes that can only be told over the course of several scenes, so re-watching is a guarantee for My Friend "A"!

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