Movie Digest
It is a light-hearted cute love story, adapted from the manga series by Risa Konno. Tsukasa Shinohara (Sei Shiraishi), an innocent first-year high school student, developed a crush on a transfer student Hayato Arima (Hidaka Ukisho). Tsukasa confessed her love but got turned down by him. Tsukasa maintained her friendship with Hayato even though her feelings for him never changed. Gradually Hayato also reciprocates the feeling after conflicting with himself. Yasuhiro Hasebe (Mizuki Itagaki) and Mayu Hasebe (Nanoka Hara) also play key roles in the life of both Tsukasa and Hayato. Watch the series to find out more.
The Feel-Good Part
A typical Japanese school romance, with an obvious ending. Tsukasa’s cheerful and helping nature portrayed by Sei Shiraishi is a treat to watch. One of the drama’s fortes is unrequited love. Yasuhiro’s understanding of Tsukasa’s feelings and his playful nature gives the story a much-needed push. Innocence in Tsukasa’s character in one of the scenes was really cute. This is a simple, feel-good movie with innocent teenage romance.
The Disappointing Factor
Hiroto Takahashi’s ” Mune ga Narunoha Kimi no Sei”, is a film with a very common, not so exciting concept. Nothing urges you to watch the film, since anyone can predict the climax. Yasuhiro’s character could have more space in the movie, rather than acting as an indirect catalyst in the Tsukasa-Hayato love story.
In-Depth Analysis
Tsukasa Shinohara fell in love with Hayato, because of his genuine concern for her, as a friend. Even though Hayato’s reaction to Tsukasa’s love confession made her sad, she never gave up on her feeling toward him. Tsukasa’s helping and honest nature eventually attracted Hayato. The gradual improvement of their relationship is smoothly narrated in the story. Hayato’s care for Tsukasa is shown in one of the scenes where Hayato beats the person who made fun of Tsukasa about her unrequited love. Hayato’s self-doubt and the feeling of guilt made him hesitant towards his feeling, which happens to most teenagers.
The entry of Yasuhiro, who is an outgoing, carefree and handsome guy, made a twirl in Hayato’s nature when he showed interest in Tsukasa. Yasuhiro’s flirting attitude towards Tsukasa and their budding friendship and the jealous Hayato are fun to watch.
Mayu Hasebe, Hayato’s ex-girlfriend, appears suddenly, with the determination of getting Hayato back in her life, and leading to a miserable Tsukasa is well scripted. Hayato’s overly concerned behavior towards Mayu, along with her weak health condition, made Tsukasa step back from Hayato’s life.
The scene between Yasuhiro, and Hayato and the love confession of Hayato towards the end of the film was beautiful and emotional.
Star Power
Casting is quite fine for this cute love story. Even though this is Hidaka Ukisho’s debutant film, he finely portrayed the character of Hayato. The highlight acting is by Sei Shiraishi for the character Tsukasa. She gave life to Tsukasa without dropping the innocence of the character. Mizuki Itagaki is a treat to watch on the screen as always. His experience in acting is amazing, but the space for Yasuhiro is very little comparatively.
Overall Opinion
“Mune ga Narunoha Kimi no Sei”, is a very simple yet humble love story. One of those expected stories we commonly see in Japanese school romance dramas, yet leave a sweet smile on our face in the end.
