I watched several movies on recent long-haul flights.

The first is called 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days, a Taiwanese-Japanese co-production about first love, regret, and self-discovery through travel. While the story didn’t resonate with me personally, the characters were likable. The film references various aspects of Asian pop culture, like Mayday, Love Letter, and Slam Dunk, and reminded me a bit of 5 Centimeters per Second. Here’s one review.

I Have to Buy New Shoes was a movie I had watched a long time ago but didn’t remember until I rewatched it. I liked it more this time around. Miho Nakashima is still charming and has great chemistry with Osamu Mukai. She was residing in Paris at that time and speaks French. Iwai Shunji’s camerawork, combined with Sakamoto Ryuichi’s music, made this small Parisian encounter more beautiful. From a review:

Also, Kitagawa, working with producer Iwai Shunji and cameraman Kanbe Chigi, brings a fresh, flawless eye to the beauties of her setting, making even the Eiffel Tower look new. Yes, hers is a quietly glamorous Paris you may not recognize while rushing for the Metro on a rainy February morning. But you can, like Aoi and Sen, see it in the right season, the right light and, of course, with the right person.

All the Long Nights is about two people suffering from different disorders who learn to cope with them and find meaning in life. We all have our own struggles, and sometimes they’re beyond our control. But as this review noted, nobody is beyond repair in Sho Miyake’s films.

Divertimento is based on the true story of twin sisters trying to make it in the classical music world despite their challenges. It suits those who like classical music and the pursuit of excellence. Here’s a review.

Perfect Days is still my favorite movie of the year. I can easily imagine myself living the way the protagonist Hirayama does.