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About Time (2013)
Simple yet powerful
It happens to every one of us (for me at least twice a day), when we wonder into the "if I had..." imaginary world. In that world we can do... well everything, it consists of all the good and none of the bad.
This film actually revolves around that. When everyone consider it as a rom-com, I found something in a match deeper level: A glimpse to a world when I have this magical power, and how it affects me, and the people around me.
The movie provide experiences we can connect to (First love, first date, first child...) which helps sharing the emotional state of the characters, I could actually find myself in some of the characters, saying to myself: "yes... I would do the same thing". And that thing happens rarely.
Apart of the story, the cast was fantastic. Every time I find myself upset, saying the characters are all dormant, they are all the same, they have nothing that can actually differentiate them from other.
However in this story Each member of the family has his own view of life that dictated his / her behavior. I felt that they had their own mind, their own personality. (In other words, in conjecture to other movies where your can "cut and paste" dialog between characters and it will still work since none of them has personality. Here you won't be able to do so).
The only thing that bothered me a bit was the ending. And I do it with a lot of movies reviews. Just saying that they should cut the last scene, that it would have created a greater emotional experience. So again, it's not a bad ending, but I'd complete the movie after the scene of the 2 men at the beach....
Natsu e no tunnel, Sayonara no deguchi (2022)
Simple. Yet powerful
Do you have it? That precious thing lost in the fabric of time. That relationship, that person, that experience that you wish you could return to?
So what would it take, what are you willing to pay, to go back and re live that moment?
I think this is the main idea the anime attempt to crack. I like this line of thinking since it is something that everyone, EVERYONE, can relate to (we all have those memories we wish we could be part of again). But, it was not the case, at least not for him. The protagonist does not try to relive an experience, He wants to flee from the present into the past, to that same experience he yearns.
Well, the hatred of the present actually blinded him of what he's going to loose, what he's giving up, and only when he payed the price he understand he should not have done at.
I find that a really good message, no matter how bad you think your life is, there is always a point of light out there you should try to hold on to.
The movie, I think, suggests a nice point of view on our life and the way we perceive it, It reminds me "About Time" but from a different angle.
Although some stuff in the movie felt forced and not genuine (Sometimes it felt that things happened because the story dictated that, and not through natural line of cause and effect) I still enjoyed watching it, and I'm sure that you will too.
Haru (2013)
It has been a long time
Hal... It has been a long time since I watch a movie that by the end of it I said "Yhee I won't be able to find another one like this".
It's not amazing (I wouldn't put it on my top 5...) but it has some unique perspective how we can harness the power of the future to make good, and help people in a unique way. (very unique).
While not a long movie, you will be kept hook to the screen (I don't remember dead areas in the movie, or "black holes" that I skipped).
I must say it took me time to understand the end (don't worry not like Lost or The Matrix), but I like it, when a movie play with your mind and take you to a different path than when you thought.
To sum up, It is not the best movie I have ever seen, but it does require 2 - 2.5 hours to watch it. I do believe it worth watching (at least once) just to get a different (and ) unique perspective about the future and what may come.
Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari (2019)
Look closely
"I'm not hearing words, but watching actions" this is what I took from the first season, and I really believe it to be true. While the viewer see the truth, and the real nature of the protagonist, All the people in the surrounding area seem to prefer to listen to rumors instead of opening their eyes.
So it is really easy to relate to all the negative emotions the protagonist has, and the way the people close to him, protects him, as much as he shields them. And as more people are exposes to his true nature, his circle of followers grows and the haltered towards him weakens. It's nice to see that even in an imaginary world, the laws of nature are preserved the heart of the strong minded stays pure and doing the right thing. (Not sure I'd behave like him).
So the first season was really great, and although it was partially hard for me to watch the treatment to a man that did absolutely nothing wrong, the ending compensate that.
Unfortunately, I less enjoyed the second season. It was good, but not as the first one. Moreover I did not appreciate the fact that the storyline of the first season was completely ignored. It seems more as a sequel than a second season.
Gekijôban Sword Art Online Progressive Hoshi naki yoru no Aria (2021)
Every coin has 2 sides....
I think, I find it much more easier to write this review from 2 different points of view: As a standalone movie, and as part of the Sword Art Online franchise.
Well, as a standalone movie it was a pretty good one. Comparing to other contemporary movies, any movie that keeps me invested in the story and don't want to fast forward is a good movie for me. It is nice to see the same familiar story from a different perspective and how the same events are intercepted differently by each participant. Although the movie is pretty short, we could still experience a character development (although I'm not sure we want too) and story development.
As part of the SAO project... After reading the synopsis, I didn't have much expectations. How many of you would want to see a movie that they have already see? With the same characters? But they did it! Somehow the SAO team crafted an interesting experience, based on a well known story. Having said that there were too many things that didn't heads up if you try to connect the events from the movies to the events from the series (And I'm not talking just of the actions that took place in the movie, but the character's reactions that just don't heads up, sometime it felt there were 2 different set of characters).
I must say, without any doubt, the producers of this movie decided to take the road less traveled. I think I can count on one hand the number of movies that try to achieve this: creating a "prologue" that interacts with an existing plotlines in so many places. I really appreciate the fact they try to use this technique to deliver a unique and interesting experience to the screen, However I think this movie could have been better entwined with the original story.
Moreover, I'm not sure why they have picked this period of time and that question for a movie. There are far more interesting (and easy) question to base a movie on. For example What happen in those 2 years gap in the series? How the Knights of the Blood Oath came to be? How Asuna joined there? Where and why Kayaba did? And some more question that I find much more answer worthy than the question they try to answer in this movie.
To sum things up. I think this is a real good movie and can be watched even if you have no knowledge of SAO at all. If you saw the first season, you won't be disappointed just a little bit confused (I know I am) and hoping that the next movie would shed more light on far more interesting questions.
Don't Look Up (2021)
Just... Us
By the end of the first second or third scene I began to think that I'm going to watch some shameful attempt to mimic Armageddon. Well I must say I was wrong. And although both movies share a lot. If I had to pick a movie relating to this one it will be (without any doubt at all) Idiocracy.
The movie suggest a mirror we can look into and see how society (at least in it's current state) handle a world annellation crisis. (or at least try to?). Watching the movie made me a little bit nauseous realizing that although the movie demonstrates a satiric approach, that approach is not so far from what actually would have happen, should this occasion arises.
Don't get me wrong, nausea is far better than feeling absolutely nothing (which describes 99% of the movies). And while the "actions" in the movies actually happen today (in the global warming arena) I can see where the movie drew the ideas.
And while the movie places a perfect mirror to out on society (and I include in this mirror EVERY characters in the movie, including the extras) there are still (minor, really minor) things that I found required for change. I guess the most bothering thing would be the unpredicted behavior of Dr. Mindy. I just couldn't understand how come, all of a sudden, he threw anything he believed in and join a Task Force that represent ... nothing. Also the affair he had, almost nothing suggest he has issues with his family, so why would he cheat on his wife. I believe in Character arc and in change throughout the movie, but there should be events / experiences that would lead the character for the desired change. For example Dr. Mindy believed in BASH's program and even help in the calculation and programming of the robots and that it is why he joined them (and not just like that), Or they offered him a lot of money or thing like that. What I'm trying to say is there should be an event leading to the character decision, otherwise it just make no sense. They other thing that bothered me (and again it is very very small) is the fact that I saw Kate working in a store. If I know I had 4 months to live, I don't think this is how I would spent them.
Although I would change these things (And maybe some other stuff too), it is still a very good movie (especially for Netflix) And I would really recommend watching it.
Gekijouban Violet Evergarden (2020)
A great closure
When I watched the last episode of the anime, it felt... not right. Like it wasn't REALLY ended. I just felt sorry for the blue eyed girl that still bears sadness within. It felt wrong.
And then this movie came along, it sure took time but it was worth it.
Although it starts like a chaotic separated stream of events, Little by little the streams start to entwined, to an amazing story.
I don't want to spoiler anything, but what I can say is the team behind the movie crafted a perfect end. I honestly can say that I wouldn't change a thing, THIS is how the story should end.
Having said that, I don't think this movie will make much sense if you haven't watched the anime. Surly it won't evoke the emotions in the same magnitude.
I'd like to end by thanking the team that made this movie. I really enjoyed watching it and I most certainly enjoy concluding the story that way, THANK YOU!
Gekijô-ban Sôdo Âto Onrain: Sword Art Online - Ôdinaru sukêru - (2017)
Goal Goal Goal!!!
Let me start by saying it is quite a good movie. Once you get over the first part.
I think this is a great example of how the main character's goal might affect the level of interest throughout the movie. During the first part, the goal was not clear (Yes they said they want to do something, but I personally didn't understand / care about the reasons to achieve that goal).
Understanding the reason to peruse a certain goal is very important for creating a bond between the audience and the characters. If we as a audience can't understand the importance of achieving the goal, we can't relate to the character.
Having said that, after the first part the real goal was revealed (as well as the logic behind it) and I could instantly relate to the main character. In that point, the movie became interesting until the end.
I'm not judging, I believe the first part is essential for those who are not familiar with the franchise. All I'm saying it is nice that the main character didn't show any kind of interest, the same way I didn't.
Well, I found myself watching the movie more than once. So I can say that if you liked the first 2 season of SAO, you will probably enjoy the movie as well.
BTY, The first time I watched the movie it was before I watched the second season and I still enjoyed it. (I really recommend to see the first season through, Or at least the first 12 episodes).
Joze to tora to sakana-tachi (2020)
Another Slice of Life
It still amazes me. I've seen my fair share of movies in this category. And still I find myself yet again fascinated that a common event (event that for sure happened somewhere, sometime) can evoke so many emotions and transport you to a journey alongside the main characters.
Although it is not perfect, and required some improvements, you will still enjoy watching it. It is less emotionally exhausting as The Shape Of Voice or I Want To Eat Your Pancreas (Both master pieces you MUST watch), and yet you can enjoy it and related to the people in the story.
All in all it is a really good movie, and I really feel lucky I had the chance to see it.
Seishun buta yaro wa yumemiru shoujo no yume wo minai (2019)
Better Than I Expected
FULL DISCLOSURE: I watched this movie without watching the anime first. It doesn't seems like a must, although I'd update this review once I will watch the anime.
This movie, it reminded me a little bit the movie "The Shape of Voice". Although those 2 story are different, they both raised the question what I would do if I were in the Protagonist's shoes. And I really like it too, it makes me relate to the main characters and enjoy every moment.
It resonated in my mind, not a lot of movies do that, and I really enjoy the ones that do. I kept asked myself what would I do, but not just as the protagonist, also as other characters. The movie shows how out decision might actually affect the future, and a cursed treasure of making those decisions , and although everybody would want to change it (at least a little bit), we can see the dark side of the consequences, and when you share that ambiguous feeling with the character in the screen,
I enjoyed watching this movie, and really recommend for you to do the same.
Koe no katachi (2016)
Fighting The Demons from The Past
Do you have any regrets? something that you did in the past, and you could do it different, do it better if given the chance? I know I have a few "demons" like this but I'm not sure I posses the inner strength to make a mead.
After 10-15 minutes into the movie, I realized I'm going to embark on an emotional journey I won't forget.
And the movie did delivered. This movie is one of a few (3-5) movies that make me envy those people from Man In Black, after watching it, the first thing I wanted to do is to use that device that erases your memory and watch it again.
I find it truly amazing, that while other stories crafting worlds, religions, dimensions and even languages in order to enhance the emotional experience and provide new sensations. This movie describe something very real, something that for sure happened more than once (to a certain degree) in the real world.
Having said that, those "normal" experiences still stirring the viewer though his emotions into a fantastic experience.
I have to add before I conclude, I have to add: This movie introduced some special, yet ordinary, people. Those people does not poses any super powers. HOWEVER, I can honestly say those people are far more stronger that the known superheros.
So to conclude, It is highly recommended, a true gem in this ocean of movies.
Kimi no suizô o tabetai (2018)
Does not stop surprising
Before I begin a fair warning, I try not to use any spoilers while reviewing a title. However this movie requires it. So don't worry, most of the review will be without spoilers, (and I hope you will find it useful) I'll make sure notify where the part with the spoilers begins.
I had this friend who told me once that love is a state where each one wants to contribute to the relationship as much as it can. Not because concepts of selfless love or be there for another, Simply because each side feels he receives more than he provides. I believe the interaction between those teenagers was crafted based on this phenomena. Both of the characters are carted amazingly. They both just there for each other, try to remedy the other's "illness" (as much as possible).
This amazing relationship between 2 different types of people (a free spirit, and a more introverted, does something to you, you know what will be the outcome and yet you want to keep watching. (perhaps it's because I can really find myself in Haru and I love this kind of free spirit Sakura is).
And to close this unconventional relationship, I realized it after 30+ mins into the movie, I don't know their names, I watch the movie intensely, I watched their relationship grows up, but they don't use names in it (I needed to check the names in IMDB for this review). And the beautiful thing is it doesn't matter. Their emotions for one another grow without these "mandatory" details. Perhaps it was what contributed to their relationship, when you don't use the name you must get the other attention by other means.
About the movie itself, as the title of the review suggests it didn't stop surprising me. For one thing the lack of names usage, which triggers the question of how the hell I like them when I don't know what's their names are. And of course the idea they plant the seed to make you sure you know what happens and then in a brief second they steal it away (I really like that idea, regardless to the outcome it brought).
There are couple of things I can't get in Japanese movies: The fact they can't end an emotional movie without leaving a bit of hope. And the opening theme in the beginning of the movie.
Regarding the first issue, well the movie suffers from it too. It's not as bad as I saw in other movies, I admit the post "my end" scene had something going on beside this "providing hope" factor. It's not the end of the world, but I feel they already ignited the flame, supplied the emotions, and then they lowered the flame. In my opinion the movie ended at the 97 minute with a burst of emotion.
Regarding the second issue, while I still think the opening theme it's a bit old and redundant, at least it didn't reveal the entire story. so I'm good with it.
I want to take this stage to thank for each and every person contributed to this movie. The fact is this review is published on Nov 16th, but I saw the movie at Nov 12th, I just needed the movie to sink in (I still a little bit hangover-ed by the emotions it left me with). So again THANK YOU.
And now for the part with the SPOILERS, so be careful SPOILERS AHEAD.
I want to finish talking about the name of the movie: "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas". So at first I thought it wasn't so sophisticated. It is an unusual name for a movie. and I can tell that part of me wanted to see it in order to make sense of the title. After watching the movie I can say the title is a code name. I think the real title is "I Want You to Keep Living Through Me". However he couldn't tell it to Sakura, because he was not ready to lower his shields down. So he said one thing (the code name) while meaning the other.
And so after watching the movie, you can see the creator found the perfect title the explains so much of the story, without revealing any spoilers. And of course creating enigma in the mind.
Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna (2020)
The battle we all fight
Ask me how to create a good story, and I'll tell you create a Protagonist I can relate to. Ask me how to create a great one and I'll say, make sure I can relate to the Advisory too.
This movie has this amazing element. Although it's not an easy task to create an Advisory people can relate too. As oppose to other "enemies" in the previous movies / TV series who were in fact bad entities, this movie does not have any "bad guy". Oh yes, there are fights. But the greatest fight is within the audience, who must fight the question is what the advisory attempt to accomplish is really bad? Had I have the option to do the same, would I act differently. (I still not sure I have the answer).
As for the rest of the movie, as oppose to Adventure Tri, I think 90% of the movie contained an interesting events, or a build up to a conflict. I enjoyed watching it, and that what I did. I didn't feel an urge of checking my phone or fast forward.
It's nice to see the heroes you grew up with straggling the same issues you straggle now, well maybe not exactly the same things... It reminds my a little bit the Pixar movie Inside Out, where they objectify the feeling and thoughts into physical beings. This movie did the same with the tools, the people and the relations that were craft for 20 years, and the result is great.
Bottom line, if you watch it, you'll enjoy it (assuming you are 15+ years old so you can relate to the characters).
If you know the backstory of Season 01 you will really enjoy it. (the last episode of season 2 is also worth watching before heading to the movie, but it's not mandatory).
The only thing that bothered me however, was the post ending. The ending was fantastic, amazing a seething emotions were outburst, but then there was another scene which the only purpose (I think) was not to leave the audience with such a bidder taste. I saw a similar thing in the movie Your Name movie where there was an additional scene to give a little bit of hope to the audience. I really don't like this, I want a story to make me feel strong feelings. Even if they are not happy feelings, it's better than shutting me down.
Please don't let this last comment discourage you from watching this movie. It's really good, just stop in the ending (it's very obvious when the movie really ends).
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)
Simply, A great movie
Usually when wanting to make a movie with mystical things, Story tellers drifts to the past, to a time when Kingdoms exists and people believe there are demons / gods.
This movie says NO. it entangles the mystical world in the contemporary reality we live in.
The story is absolutely amazing. There's the enigma of what the hell is going on. The viewer shares the confusion the main character has throughout the movie. I must say that the idea is not that original, but the way they movie presents this in a new and refreshing point of view really made me appreciate the movie.
2 things I'd change (and I believe those are the things that keeping this title away from 10 star rating):
1. There is no urgency, things just happen, but there are no time limit or time frame at all for the main character to achieve it's goal. If there was time limit (for example a period of time to make a damage permanent) the movie would me more exiting and it would create anticipation in the viewer heart.
2. There is a final test missing, it's clearly the main character goes through some process throughout the movie, but I would expect in the end for that character to have a test that it couldn't have pass before.
Again, the stuff listed above are more like recommendation but the movie is a great movie even without them and I highly recommend viewing it.
Boku dake ga inai machi (2016)
A nice show
I enjoyed watching this anime. Although time travel is a common pattern, they succeeded in making this anime stand out among other shows. At first glance I reminded me The Butterfly Effect, although both shows shares a lot of similarities. I wouldn't call it a rip off.
The story progression is really good, I don't remember finding myself drifting to the cellphone / other activities while watching the anime.
The only thing that bothers me was the end. It's like they stop thinking, stop investing time and effort to make the ending as good as it should be. I'm not saying it's a bad ending, but having a great story progression. greats mysteries reveals and a great villein (or not so great after all), makes you anticipate a great ending.
But there was nothing great about it, it was like going on the yellow bricks road. discovering great friends and magnificent views. only to come to your destination and discover an unrevealing shack.
I would recommend watching this anime, it's really good. but for those with a great imagination, try not o watch the last 2 episodes and figure out what happens on your own, you will probably have a better ending.
Shigatsu wa kimi no uso (2014)
Watching through a person's mind
The story of the series is not something new. A boy likes a girl but they can't be together. (or at least so it seems).
This kind of story is not new to anyone who watched movies for a while. However, the way the story is told is amazing. Experiencing the story for the eyes of the main character is one thing. But this show let us access to his deepest secrets, desires and fears.
And it is not just the main character, every single member of this group offer the same access, which makes us relate to them understand them, relate to them. and in some cases fall in love with them.
That's why, I think this show doesn't contains characters, it contains people. we exposed to vast layer in each person instead of only what the story dictates / requires.
Using the colors to show us what the lead character feels and who he sees the world it's a unique way to let the audience be one with the person leading the episode.
You can see how the people transformed throughout the series. their expressions change, the way the talk, the way they react, again showing people evolving and not just characters.
There is a secret there, and you know it's there unconsciously, something doesn't seems right there, And the writer's keep us hanging until the very last episode to share the explanation and reveal the secret.
Although this kind of story is known (at least for me) , almost each episode was combined with a smile on my face, and sometimes sheer laughing.
I highly recommend watching this show and let her take you away to a magnificent journey into the human heart.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
An interesting experiennce
I think this movie is the best realization of the concept "Show don't tell".
Where lack in words the movie shows brilliantly what the character's feels and beliefs are through amazing actions.
The characters shows what they feel and not tell it to a shrink / shrink / the audience like almost every other movie out there.
Although they don't say that, you can see how an experience that the audience is unaware of affects everyone in this movie.
Having said that, it was pretty hard to sympathize with the mother protagonist. She wants one thing, she needs another. In the end of the movie she receive what she needed (even though I'm not so sure she understood that). The odd thing is nothing good or bad happens.
If in the end nothing good doesn't happen, if there is no bad thing prevented, no rush will be created among the audience for the protagonist to get that one thing it needs. The main reason is if it gets that, or if it not, nothing happens, it doesn't changes anything.
If, for example, Mildred had come to the realization that it is not vengeance she seeks, but redemption, or the promise that what she experienced no other mother will experience, she can come to Willoughby and talk to him, they could craft a tram to help preventing other cases like this. Entangle that with a symptoms WIlloughby shows throughout the movie that this issue affects him so much so he's thinking to take his life, and you have a high risk for the movie that need to be fulfilled.
All in all, is a pretty great movie and I recommend watching it at least once.
Kimi no na wa. (2016)
A great story, a greater teller
This movie proves once again that CGI and SFX might make a movie nice for your eyes, your mind however, desires something else.
Finally (after a long long time of movies with stolen ideas) a unique story and a great one. so special, and refreshing.
The story here may be good, but the way it is being told is far greater. Having a map of secrecy, revealing information and new founding piece by piece with patient without losing the audience's attention.
Keeping the audience, not in superior position, neither inferior position, but with as much knowledge as the protagonists, "glues" them to the screen and create sympathy with the protagonists since they share the same will: Figuring out what the hell is happening.
Every part, every detail in this amazing story serving a general goal up ahead in the story progression map, another fact that makes the audience forget how to walk while watching the movie.
Thank you for bringing this idea in to life.