“Mamba mentality is all about focusing on the process and trusting in the hard work when it matters most.” —Kobe Bryant
More here.
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Lyrics: I Am Not Alone by Priscilla Ahn
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
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.
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I recently rewatched the old Japanese drama Beach Boys and still enjoy it. The story revolves around people figuring out what they want to do with their lives. Since the drama is from 1997, mobile phones weren’t widely used, and the characters connect by spending time together and paying attention to the little details. Simple expressions or gestures, even in silence, can convey a lot about a person.
Watching this drama reminds me of my teenage school days when I’d sleep over at a friend’s house, play games, and chat about random topics in life late into the night. It would be wonderful to have some screen-free time with like-minded people every now and then.
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Wouldn’t it be wonderful to experience living different kinds of lives? I’ve often dreamed of being a nomad, a musician, or an artist. But the reality is, when we choose one path, others often close.
Like many people, I chose a relatively safe path: study hard, get a good job, and work my way toward a ‘secure’ life. But is that true security?
I believe real security comes from having the confidence that, even if I were to lose everything, I could start over and still create the life I want to live. Given how long lifespans are nowadays, I should reinvent myself from time to time.
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It All Began When I Met You. This’s the Japanese version of Love Actually. While it’s not as good as the original, it helps get me into the Christmas mood. I also like the ending theme song by Yuzu. Here’s a review.
Spy x Family Code: White. I haven’t watched the anime, but the movie works well as a stand-alone story. It features some funny moments and likeable characters. Anya is voiced by the same actress who voices Frieren in Japanese, but the two characters sound noticeably different.
April Come She Will. We get hurt because we care. It’s easier to be alone and detached than to risk the pain of losing someone. But deep down, we all long to love someone in a pure and straightforward way. The film includes beautiful scenery, and Takenouchi Yutaka makes a small appearance. He still looks great after all these years (I like the moments he shared with Takashi Sorimachi in the Japanese drama Beach Boys, where they tried to figure out what they wanted to do in life). Here’s a review.
Living in Two Worlds. This movie reminds me to treasure the time I have with my kids. Time flies, and while we know people age, we often don’t notice it on a daily basis until we look back. In the film, even though the parents are disabled, their love for their child shines through and ultimately matters most for the relationship. Here’s one review.
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“It’s not too late to change ourselves and have a meaningful life.”
– Hanamichi Sakuragi -
“I’m Sure An Answer Will Come To You. Wisdom Takes Time.” – Sonia
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