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Movie Japan
ZAKUROZAKA NO ADAUCHI
Amid ongoing turmoil, the enduring spirit of the samurai remains. Not only are the performances of actors such as Kiichi Nakai and Hiroshi Abe outstanding, but the scenery is also breathtaking. The deep red camellias blooming desperately despite the snow made me feel the beauty of life. Watching this film, I felt my heart being cleansed. -
Movie America
Independence Day (1996), Even From The Depths of Despair, Humanity Will Continue to Stand on Its Own!
Independence Day, released on July 4, 1996, wowed audiences with its impressive visuals, blending new computer-generated graphics and models. Will Smith’s energetic performance, a lively cast, and Bill Pullman’s memorable speech fill the movie with American spirit. The film focuses more on excitement and romance than on detailed logic, making it a standout of the 1990s sci-fi that remains enjoyable today. -
Movie America
Avengers: Infinity War – “All the heroes from the MCU gather together!”
This film reunites many heroes for the first time since the Civil War, allowing each to shine in their own moment. However, people who haven't seen any Marvel films and are seeing this one for the first time, or those who haven't seen any of the other films, may find it confusing. Especially at the beginning, when Thor escapes in a spaceship with one eye, it's confusing if you haven't seen Battle Royale. As the second-to-last film before "Endgame," Avengers: Infinity War stands out by bringing together numerous characters and altering the usual superhero narrative with its bold ending. -
Movie America
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales “Jack Sparrow’s adventures are always fun!”
Jack, unchanged from usual, embarks on an adventure with his friends. This movie is funnier and more entertaining than the earlier ones. I watched it, hoping for a light-hearted adventure, not something profound, and it gave me exactly that. That’s what makes it so enjoyable. -
Movie America
Ant-Man and the Wasp: “I enjoyed it, feeling relieved and smiling.”
Sequels don’t often outshine the originals, but Ant-Man and the Wasp really did for me. World-saving heroes are impressive, but I find Ant-Man, like Spider-Man, much more relatable. That’s what I love about him. The villains in this film aren't outright supervillains; they have their reasons, and the arms dealer has a bit of a petty villain vibe, which is also nice. Since there aren’t a lot of tense moments, I could just relax and have fun, and I found myself laughing more than once. -
Movie Japan
City Hunter (2024 Netflix) : “Ryo Saeba descends upon Reiwa! A masterpiece that exceeds expectations.”
The live-action film "City Hunter," now streaming on Netflix, really gets what made Tsukasa Hojo's original manga special and gives it a fresh update. Ryōhei Suzuki does a great job showing both Ryo Saeba's goofy, flirtatious side and his impressive skills as a professional sweeper. Mochizuki Kaoru, played by Mochizuki Mochizuki, adds a new kind of charm. The movie tells the origin story in today's Shinjuku, making for exciting action that both longtime fans and newcomers can enjoy. It raises the bar for live-action Japanese film adaptations. -
Movie America
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes “A story about when President Snow was still a pure young man.”
The movie "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" is a prequel to the "Hunger Games" series, released in 2023. As the title suggests, it depicts the younger days of Coriolanus Snow, who later becomes the dictator of Panem. For fans of the series, this is a highly anticipated film that reveals the dramatic backstory behind how President Snow transformed into the ruthless dictator we know today. -
Movie America
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 “Katniss’s story finally comes to an end!”
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 concludes Katniss's journey with a fierce battle between the rebel army and the dictatorial state. While Jennifer Lawrence's performance and the film's action are commendable, I believe the film falls short as a finale, earning a rating of 2.5 points in my personal assessment. Despite this, its value lies in providing closure to the series. -
Movie America
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 “Finally, the flames of rebellion spread throughout Panem.”
In "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1," Katniss, a former Hunger Games player, becomes the symbol of resistance against President Snow. The story focuses on Katniss and Peeta’s rescue and the rebellion spreading across the districts. -
Movie America
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire “signals the spark of a coming revolution.”
This film serves as a transitional work in the series. Both the action and the story feel less compelling than in the first film. The romantic elements are interwoven throughout, with Katniss frequently navigating complex relationships and motivations. The film as a whole lacks elements that stand out, making it less engaging. The episodic structure is interconnected, creating a narrative dependent on the full series.