“I think the memories of a place are memories of the people there. That’s why…I’m sure I’m going to love this place.” – Mitsumi Iwakura
“But you can put your goals into words. People can have expectations and support you. I couldn’t handle all that. Pathetic, isn’t it?” – Shima Sosuke
“You never know what time will lead to the best things until long after it’s passed. So I think the most important thing is that you choose how to spend that time.” – Tokiko Takamine
“Effort leads to confidence, but believing that effort will always be rewarded is a very, very scary idea.” – Mitsumi Iwakura
“You know, Shima. I might trip and fall in really stunning ways sometimes, but because I do, I’m really good at getting up too!” – Mitsumi Iwakura
“I want to aim higher, but that’s just a side-effect, or a secondary reason…I can’t really imagine myself not thinking about writing a script. So if I can make it my livelihood, that’d be best. Is there a destination for a daily routine like eating and going to work? I still can’t imagine one.” Narumi Kanechika
“Are those questions needed to be answered logically? When I became aware of it, I realized she’d always been special to me. I can’t even compare her to anyone else.” – Sanada Ryu
“If you’re at a loss for words, you don’t have to force yourself. That in itself is a form of comfort.” – Shota Kazehaya
“There’s no knowing how others are feeling unless you ask them. And your feelings can’t get through to others unless you tell them directly.” – Sawako Kuronuma
“When you talk properly, you get your feelings across properly, right?” – Shota Kazehaya
Sawako: You’re right. You’re the only one who can hurt me. You touch my heart when no one else can. It doesn’t matter if things get awkward or if we fight. I want the person I’m awkward around, the one I’m fighting with…to be you, Kazehaya-kun. I don’t care if it’s not right.
Sawako: When your love is unrequited, all you ever see is a retreating back. But we’re different. We should be able to face each other and look each other in the eye. If we solve our problems together, love will grow.
Do you see me all alone in a world I call my own? Even though I try to be so ordinary I feel different so I hide, I wish I could be alright Behind eyes that see the world Always from the outside
But life is never what it seems I find the message in my dreams It’s like a faded memory whispering secrets just for me
So I cry in the night For something I found in my heart There’s a star in the sky guiding me home in the dark If you call out my name, I know I’ll see you again I’ll remember I am not alone
When I stare into the sky and my feelings pass me by I will sing a little tune From when we danced under the moon Even though I’m on my own, I will know I’m not alone You have taught my heart to grow Now my love will carry on
But life is never what it seems I find the message in my dreams It’s like a faded memory whispering secrets just for me
So I cry in the night For something I found in my heart There’s a star in the sky guiding me home in the dark If you call out my name, I know I’ll see you again I’ll remember I am not alone
Love is an uncertain feeling, while enjoying each other’s company is more tangible. I like the chemistry between the main characters, even though Nishikata’s character feels unrealistic when he’s an adult. Infatuation fades, but finding ways to think about our loved ones and enjoy each other’s company seems more sustainable. Their interaction is a bit like Nagao and Rika’s in Tokyo Love Story. The actress Mei Nagano’s expressions remind me of Milet, and the ending song by Aimei is lovely.
PS: I watched the Netflix series after this movie and learned that it is adapted from a shonen manga. I guess it’s like Densha Otoko, where men who lack confidence in themselves have their fantasies come true.
A beautiful anime about the friendship of two girls aspiring to become manga artists, showcasing their struggles, doubts, and the hard work often unseen by others.
I always thought drawing was a solitary activity. However, if one is fortunate enough to find a like-minded friend who shares the same passion, working together can make the challenges more bearable, while appreciating each other’s efforts and works can make the process more enjoyable.
Life is short. Finding connections with likeminded people can be one of the most rewarding experiences.
Here’s a review with spoilers, and here’s one without.
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