1st Kiss: A film about time travel, fate, and love. Does marriage change romance, or do we simply overlook what matters? As the movie suggests, we fall in love by discovering what we like in each other, but after marriage, we often dwell on faults and gradually grow distant. It’s a reminder to focus on what truly matters. With a bit of awareness, that focus can make the difference between a happy marriage and divorce. Here’s a review.
Last Song For You (久別重逢): Another time travel movie that changes the future through what you did in the past. Self doubt is common among artists. Persistent, or just stubborn? Should we make art for ourselves or for the world? The film suggests that having someone believe in you often helps sustain motivation. I haven’t watched a Cantonese movie in a long time. It’s nostalgic and reminds me of when Ekin Cheng starred in 古惑仔 (Young and Dangerous) and 風雲 (The Storm Riders). Here’s a review.
My Beloved Stranger: I like milet and have looked forward to her first movie. The story is somewhat predictable, but thanks to a movie like this, we don’t need a parallel universe to remind us of how often we take things for granted.
Takopi’s Original Sin: A dark yet imaginative take on how dysfunctional families can lead to bullying, a lack of empathy, or a desperate craving for validation. Kindness and good intentions (as embodied by Takopi) are good, but without an understanding of human nature and a moral compass, they can cause more harm. As one reviewer put it: “Takopi is about what it costs to care, especially when you don’t know how. It’s about the limits of kindness and the absurdity of innocence. The awful beauty of watching someone try, even as they fail, because trying is the only thing they know how to do.”
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity. Released around the same time, it offers a light refuge from Takopi’s heavier theme. It’s a pleasant shojo romance so far, but might feel escapist, with characters that seem too good to be true.
Marry My Husband (Japanese) and Glass Heart: Both star Satoh Takeru. Marry My Husband offers a more engaging story and character development. Glass Heart is for music fans, featuring songs by famous Japanese artists. While it has some nice moments, like the reconciliation between Naoki and his brother, the characters and story are less compelling. Here’s a review.
Ryu's Blog 