In Full Bloom

Is this a perfect movie? No. Really really no. HOWEVER, it is one of the most original and unique films I've seen in years. There are certain aspects that just do not work. Some of the scenes with the American Boxer can feel repetitive. But other than that, this is a beautiful film, from two first time directors. And most the of the cast are first timers. It's really amazing. The cinematography really blew me away. I can watch the last 30 mins of the film on repeat. I'm really curious what this team makes next. Also the Japan Boxer is a BEAST!

I have been tracking this film since it came out, as the synopsis made it seem like one I'd enjoy. It has been a frustrating wait (for any subtitles anywhere) that I've all but given up on at this point, but what I can't understand is how anyone is even reviewing this movie without being fluent in Japanese. I see a couple that mention it, but I am shocked at how many actually watched it & reviewed it, good or bad, with so much of the dialog totally missed without the subtitles. I mean, you can't even rent it on Amazon with them..they just don't exist! I've never come across anything like this.... I'm someone who uses subtitles for everything, just because so many shows/movies these days include mumbling actors, poorly recorded audio tracks, and my TV speakers are crap... but I've never been unable to find any subtitles at all, even for the most obscure titles.

I do understand why people could not be into it... however, that also means that I understand why people love it because I am one of them.

This movie was written, directed and shot all by the same two guys, who seem to be putting out their first film. The picture here is mesmerizing and beautiful to watch from the beginning to the end. It was also an amazing experience, it's one of those films that you just give yourself over to. If you are a fan of cinema then I think you will absolutely love this. BUT I say cinema, not movies. They're different.

I generally like foreign movies as long as there are English subtitles with it. For the most part, I find the acting and atmosphere refreshing, especially considering how much of what Hollywood produces these days is straight up garbage. This movie while having potential, is really hampered by no English subtitles to be found anywhere. Movie must not be very well known at all cause no one has bothered to make ANY subtitles available at all. Probably viewing this if you can speak Japanese would be more understandable than if you just spoke English and trying to figure out the Japanese parts. I have this movie on hold just in case someone does make some English subtitles for it. Otherwise I'm not going to try to view it again.

I was a bit worried about watching this movie when I saw it was in Japanese/English, and I was right about that. Its about 50/50 Japanese/English. After searching and not finding any subs, I decided to give it a go anyhow. The movie is well made, with lots of images from Japanese nature. The acting looks good too, at least not too weird. The japanese dialogue is really hard to understand without subs but thats expected I guess. The movie gave me "flashbacks" to Bruce Lee and Rocky movies, I would not be surprised if the writers have watched all of those films. Tyler Wood and Yusuke Ogasawara are doing a nice job as the main caracters in the movie, and its their first movie for both of them. I would guess not their last :) The directors, Reza Ghassemi and Adam VillaSenor (they are also the writers) are doing a nice job putting the movie together. Part of the movie are in black/white, but it fits the movie good and helps make the "mafia" effect stronger.

I believe this movie could been a strong 8 or maybe even a 9 in my rating, but because its impossible to understand everything without subs, I have to set it as low as 7.