RalphRahal

First off, this is one of those movies you don't just "watch" and forget. It kind of sits with you for a while after it ends. Studio Ghibli really knows how to hit where it hurts, and this film is proof. The animation might look soft and beautiful (and it is), but the story is anything but light.

The direction by Isao Takahata is spot-on. He never tries to force emotions out of you with dramatic music or crazy camera tricks. Everything feels natural, almost quiet, and that's what actually makes it hit harder. The production is classic Ghibli, with attention to detail in every frame, from the simple moments to the most devastating ones.

If you're in the mood for something beautiful, heartbreaking, and memorable, this is it. Maybe just don't watch it if you're already feeling down. It's heavy, but it's a must-watch at least once in your life. It's not just a war movie or a cartoon. It's honestly a piece of art.

Straw (2025) was one of those movies that pulled me in emotionally but left me wanting more in terms of depth. Taraji P. Henson absolutely carried it. Her performance felt raw and honest, and she brought real weight to her role. You could see the emotional fatigue in her eyes, and that alone made her character feel grounded even when the script leaned a bit too hard into the drama. The supporting cast had a few standout moments too, but no one matched Taraji's intensity. As for the directing, it felt a bit unsure of itself. Tyler Perry aimed for a heavy psychological tone but didn't fully commit to digging beneath the surface, especially in the second act where things could've been explored more meaningfully.

Production-wise, the film looked clean and polished. It's clear Netflix gave it a decent budget and Perry knew how to stretch it visually. The cinematography didn't do anything groundbreaking, but it served its purpose well enough with a few nicely framed close-ups during tense scenes. The score wasn't overly present but occasionally stepped in to underline emotional beats. I wouldn't call it memorable, but it didn't get in the way either. The script is where things get shaky. It felt like it had a lot to say but kept pausing before actually saying it. Still, despite the flaws, I found myself invested, mostly thanks to Taraji's performance and the film's emotionally-charged setup. It might not leave a lasting impact, but it's worth a watch if you're in the mood for a heavy drama with a strong lead.

Girl Haunts Boy was honestly a pleasant surprise. It had that cozy, slightly quirky vibe that works well for a supernatural romance, and the directing kept things grounded even when the story leaned into the more whimsical moments. Emily Ting handled the pacing pretty well, giving the characters enough space to grow without dragging the plot. The production was clean and polished without feeling too polished, if that makes sense. It had a kind of indie spirit but looked and sounded like a proper feature.

Acting-wise, both Peyton List and Michael Cimino brought a lot of charm and sincerity to their roles. They had great chemistry, and it helped carry the emotional beats without things feeling forced. The script kept things light without losing its emotional core, which made it easy to connect with the characters. Nothing felt over-explained or too dramatic. The score was subtle but nicely done, and the cinematography had some soft, warm tones that gave the film a nice visual texture. It's one of those films that doesn't scream for attention but ends up sticking with you a bit after. Definitely worth a watch.