SYNOPSIS:
After her father left them, Ann and her mother move to the small town of Shimane where Ann's grandmother lives. Ann soon becomes friends with Daigo, an athletic young boy who lives in Shimane as well as Fuji and Shiika, Fuji's younger sister from a wealthy family. When Ann's mother commits sucide, Daigo helps Ann cope with the sudden change in her life. They soon fall in love while Fuji develops a secret crush on Ann and Shiika falls for Daigo. Happiness is short-lived. Without notice, Ann's estranged father arrives from Tokyo to take her away. Thus Ann and Daigo embark on a long-distance relationship which will lead them into confusion and pain. Will they overcome all obstacles to be together eventually?
MOVIE REVIEW:
Ah, Japan. Many people have sung praises of The Land of the Rising Sun. But this reviewer hasn’t stepped foot into the country yet. Travelling costs aside, this reviewer cannot imagine how he is going to fit into the beautiful country, especially when almost every single human being looks perfect there. At least, this is what he perceives from watching Japanese movies. And this one further confirms the fact that Japan is a pretty country full of pretty people.
Based on is a manga by Hinako Ashihara, this movie tells the story of a good looking girl named Ann who moves to the small town of Shimane with her mother. The picturesque town is where her grandparents live and everyone knows each other. Ann soon befriends a good looking (of course) boy named Daigo, a good looking (you were expecting… ugly?) boy named Fuji and her equally good looking sister named Shiika. Soon, Ann’s mother commits suicide and Daigo helps her get over the tragedy. Love blossoms between the two good looking people, and before you can mention “love quadrangle”, you have Fuji falling in love with Ann and Shiika falling in love with Daigo. To make things even sadder, Ann’s father comes to bring her back to Tokyo.
How’s that for a 121 minute Japanese drama?
In fact, the story was adapted into a television drama series before this movie adaptation. Shinsuke Sato directs four very good looking stars Sosuke Ikematsu (young Daigo), Shunya Isaka (adult Daigo), Nao Matsushita (adult Ann) and Kaho (young Ann) against the backdrops of the very good looking landscapes of Japan. Expect to see soaring skylines with very white clouds, breathtaking beaches with very blue waters and lovely fields with very orange sunsets – all accompanied by these very good looking stars trying their best to express their emotions. Throw in a sentimental soundtrack and you get a very accessible date movie that will have girlfriends asking their boyfriends to bring them on a holiday trip to Japan.
Although the story will not excite the seasoned Japanese drama watcher, the typical romantic element will be enough to please anyone looking for a good old fashioned love story that spans many years and has obstacles in the form of long distances and disagreeing parents.
Till the day this reviewer deems himself to be good looking to fit into the very pretty culture of Japan, he will have to do with watching movies from The Land of the Rising Sun. And imagine that he is one of the long suffering protagonists walking by the breathtaking beaches with very blue waters. With a good looking girl, of course.
SPECIAL
FEATURES:
This
Code 3 DVD contains no bonus features.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
The visual transfer may just make you want to go to Japan even more. The movie is presented in its original Japanese audio track.
MOVIE RATING:
DVD
RATING:
Review by John Li
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