Movie Digest
Hamada Kiyosumi is a third-year high-schooler. He has a strong sense of righteousness and justice. One day, when he sees a first-year high-schooler, Kuramoto Hari, getting bullied, he helps her as he does not favor bullying. He keeps saving her whenever she gets bullied. Due to this, they develop a bond and get closer. What does Hari think about herself when she gets bullied? Will she overcome it? Is there anything more to the bullying? Only the movie can answer it.
The Feel-Good Part
The visuals and music flow well with the story. A few slow-motion scenes suit the plot. They give the suspense factor to the story and increase the horror factor. Suspense and horror elements are often portrayed using jumpscares and sounds. Their absence in the movie and usage of silence as an element of suspense and horror enhance the plot. Although the movie seems like a regular romance movie, it is not. This part increases the thrill of watching the movie. It focuses on how bullying affects people and their perceptions of themselves. Kiyosumi and Hari’s bonding is beautiful and natural. At some point, it makes the viewers want to stop watching, but the curiosity to find out what happens next keeps them going.
The Disappointing Factor
The movie has a slow pace in the first half of it. The ending could have been more satisfying and believable. Some revelations don’t have credibility. The movie’s ending had a lot to tell in a short time. The ending is a stark contrast to the rest of the movie.
In-Depth Analysis
The movie’s initial idea is to introduce Kiyosumi’s savior complex. His sense of righteousness and justice seems to have a backstory. It is explained later in the movie. Due to his savior complex, his want to be a hero, he helps his junior Hari from getting bullied. Her initial reaction to his presence shows the effects of getting bullied. Something else seems to be going on with Hari. The movie later digs deeper into the matter as the story progresses. The movie deals with a rare concept in movie plots – bullying. While the students bullying Hari don’t see her as a human, Kiyosumi sees her as one. Hari sees herself as worthless. Kyosumi helps her to get her self-esteem back. Kyosumi and Hari become close gradually. It focuses on making her stronger. That one person can make our lives better is what their bond signifies.
Star Power
Taishi Nakagawa has portrayed Hamada Kiyosumi as a student who wants to be a hero and help others. Anna Ishii has portrayed Kuramoto Hari as a student with low self-esteem in the beginning who becomes stronger later with the help of Kiyosumi. The two leads express the emotions of their respective parts mesmerizingly.
Overall Opinion
The movie succeeds in reaching the audience by taking the viewers on a romantic and horrific ride.
