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Movie America
Last Knights: A Sublime Tale of Chivalry Where East Meets West
True to its tagline, Kiriyama adapts "Chushingura" faithfully, delivering genuinely entertaining storytelling. The film centers on a knight's unwavering quest for justice and vengeance on behalf of his lord. Unlike Kiriyama's more flamboyant films, such as CASSHERN and GOEMON, this one feels much more serious and carefully crafted. The main character's backstory seems important, so it was disappointing that the flashbacks were left out. It was a beautifully put-together film, featuring cool accessories and backgrounds typical of Kiriyama's style, along with an easy-to-follow story. Despite lacking flashy scenes, the film’s focus on the universal theme of loyalty maintains engagement and reinforces the main argument. -
Cinema Anime
The Boy and the Beast: The Bond Between Parent and Child Depicted by Director Mamoru Hosoda
At age 9, I lost my mother, rebelled against relatives, and eventually ran away to live alone. My solitary life changed when I met Kumatetsu, who was also alone, and together we grew. However, as the story progresses into young adulthood and approaches the climax, the transition feels too abrupt for me to follow, making it harder to stay connected to the narrative. Honestly, the encounter between the heroine and the protagonist's father felt rushed. -
Movie Japan
Grasshopper: A dark and thrilling ensemble drama of those who defy fate.
The film struggled to build tension, and Suzuki, the main character, didn't stand out. It almost felt like his role could have been left out, since he barely made an impact on the story. The characters mostly acted independently. Although the synopsis suggests their stories converge, the ending felt unnatural and forced, lacking a genuine sense that everything was meant to connect. -
Movie America
No Escape: Experience your everyday life collapsing in an instant!
After the first half hour, the film keeps you on edge with nonstop suspense. Still, the child character sometimes makes choices that feel off, which, even though it's a common storytelling trick, pulled me out of the moment. Occasionally, news reports cover riots or attacks involving corporate buildings and government officials. This film prompts viewers to consider what such chaos might be like firsthand. The depiction is grounded and unsettling, creating a strong sense of realism. -
Movie America
Demonic(2015): The Suspense Horror Woven by Haunted Houses and Séances
The story follows a séance in a haunted house with a mysterious and troubled past. As the characters try to protect themselves from spirits, things don’t go as planned and tension builds. Rather than pure horror, the film feels more like a suspenseful thriller, with a mix of about 30% horror and 70% suspense. -
Cinema Anime
Inside Out, Characters that Personify Emotions Move Around Cutely.
The movie "Inside Out" is a masterpiece because it powerfully conveys the essential message that recognizing and accepting all of our emotions, especially sadness, is vital for emotional well-being. By personifying emotions as characters, the film not only entertains audiences of all ages but also helps viewers understand the mechanics of emotions and relationships, making the importance of sadness especially clear. Pixar's innovative animation and storytelling make this message both impactful and accessible. -
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
Maze Runner: Scorch Trials – “Zombies appear unexpectedly!”
Despite the title “Maze Runner,” there’s no maze here—just more running and escaping than in the first film. While the movie is full of thrills, it ends before exhaustion sets in. As a result, it feels like a typical middle entry in a trilogy, for better or worse. -
Movie America
Tomorrowland. The Importance of Dreaming.
A Disney movie, for better or worse. I think the film's best part was the beginning, if not the climax. A curious boy meets a pretty girl and experiences adventure and love with a girl who wanders into a world where dreams seem real and leads him to that world. -
Movie America
Ant-Man. MCU Hero in charge of comedy
I enjoyed this film as a comedy film, not a stylish action film like a hero.