Movie Digest
Shibuya Haruko encountered Kanna Kenichi after he passed out on a bridge, and she fell in love with him at that instant. It was the love of a lifetime for Haruko. Kenichi used to be a diligent student, but he abruptly dropped out of school. Kenichi appears to be the only boy who exists to Haruko because she fell in love with him, but Kenichi is the man behind Mayumi a femme fatale who is the reason he got beaten up on the bridge. When Haruko and Kenichi’s paths cross, what happens?
The Feel-Good Part
I like the performances, and they felt quite real at times. The film was good in the sense that it allowed its characters to mature by allowing them to make mistakes, learn, and develop their identities.
Furthermore, the movie set is a cherry on top, providing enormous delight to the eyes. Some of the talks were so poignant that it felt as though they were reciting poetry to the city.
The ending could have been better, but it is rewarding in that it demonstrates that not all of your youthful dreams and wishes come true.
The Disappointing Factor
Although it is good at times, the script at others feels illogical, as it does not explain everything. I believe the dialogue could have value in some sections, but it is merely filler. The filmmakers’ approach to the film was quite standard; they did not try anything new with the film. Having a little bit more meaningful dialogues could’ve been amazing.
In-Depth Analysis
The manga Georama Boy and Panorama Girl, written by Kyoko Okazaki and published in 1988, is the inspiration for this film.
When you first view this show, it reminds you of a young love story, and you have a desire similar to Haruko’s, where all she wanted was a fairytale love.
You, too, longed to be loved so passionately by someone but had no concept of what love included, so you took the initiative to learn more. Kenichi was so desperate to be loved that he grew rebellious and wandered the streets when he found Mayumi, believing she was the one.
Even at the party when Haruko saw Kenichi kissing Mayumi, that scene broke my heart because at that time Haruko was going to express her feelings to him. In the end, neither Haruko nor Kenichi got what they wanted; Kenichi was merely filling a void in his and her lives by having sex with Haruko, even though he never genuinely loved her, and it got on my nerves.
Both characters are still growing and developing.
There’s a lot of heartbreak in this film, as well as a lot of silly comedy. This film is complicated, funny, and touching, but it isn’t about true love. It was just a silly adolescent love, figuring out what love was all about.
Star Power
Haruko and Kenichi, played by Anna Yamada and Jin Suzuki, were fantastic, displaying a wide range of emotions. I enjoy their chemistry as well as their crazy comedic situations together. The feelings that the protagonists experience feel quite real.
Overall Opinion
The film has a good feel to it, not having a proper definition of love but describing a teenage romance. As the film progresses, their characters grow, and so does Tokyo. It has a very pure vibe to it.
