Flow: Serene and beautiful. Every animal has its quirks. As one review noted, “anyone with a tendency to hoard accessories and to overpack when travelling will feel a kinship with the lemur.” It also reminds me of the science-fiction game Stray.
Poppoya – Railroad Man: It’s a nostalgic film with beautiful background music and scenic landscapes from Hokkaido. Ken Takakura, the very actor Dadadan’s Momo Ayase admires, plays a devoted railroader. He’s stoic, stubborn and makes decisions that some might disapprove, but he lives with no regrets and is a character that I respect. Ryoko Hirosue also stars in the film. Here’s a review.
Grand Maison Paris: I prefer the drama over the movie, as it allows more time to develop the characters. The movie packed too much into a short span, making the sudden changes in personality feel less believable. That said, Kimura Takuya remains charming at his age. I like many of his dramas. He often plays characters with different occupations, showcasing his strong-willed personality and dedication to work. Here’s a review.
Cells at Work! Movie: If one can overlook the absurd and silly aspects of the adaptation, it’s not bad. Here’s one review.
Lost in Starlight: A science fiction story set in future Seoul. It follows how the main characters pursue their dreams and navigate romantic relationships. Though it contains many elements I usually enjoy, somehow it didn’t resonate with me, as compared to some of Shinkai Makoto’s earlier works. Here’s a review.
Blue Lock The Movie Nagi: I’m not a fan of this anime. For sports animate I prefer more realistic type. This movie retells the Blue Lock story from Nagi’s perspective. His relationship with Reo is probably the most compelling aspect. People change, and we often want to evolve alongside those we value. But sometimes it’s not possible, leading us to grow apart, a tension between loyalty and self-actualization.
Black Mirror Season 7: Still disturbing yet gripping and at times thought-provoking. Eulogy is my favorite in this season. For those who have watched the series or don’t mind spoilers, Noah Smith reviewed nearly every episodes.
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