Kimi ni todoke

There is a very specific demographic that 'Kimi ni Todoke', adapted from the shōjo manga of the same name, appeals to- and unless you fit right in there, you're not likely to enjoy this romance, as we found out just 15 minutes into the film. Centred on the unlikely high-school love story between the popular Kazehaya and the socially awkward Sawako, it unfolds at an almost glacial pace, made even more unbearable by how plainly evident its ending is.

Indeed, it is clear right from the start that the two leads will eventually get together, so all that matters is the journey to that familiar destination. Unfortunately, this journey, which clocks in at slightly more than two hours, is as ponderous as it gets. Working off his own screenplay co-written by Rika Nezu, director Naoto Kumazawa is intent on milking tears from every possible scene in the film, so get ready for some major waterworks like you're never seen before.

Yes, if one could win an Oscar just for the amount of times you could shed tears on screen, then Mikako Tabe would probably win the award hands down. As Sawako, she cries when she decides to abandon her two close friends so she won't affect their reputation in school. Then she cries again when her friends reaffirm that they are better than to let some rumours get in the way of their friendship. And she does it again when she finds out another girl in school likes Kazehaya, and yet again when she rebuffs him after he asks her out. Tabe does an excellent job looking sad and heartbroken, but boy oh boy does it get ingratiating when you have to see her tear every few minutes.

It doesn't help that despite Tabe's best efforts, Sawako is not an easily likable character. At the start, Sawako earns sympathy for being the loner in the class that everyone else ignores or otherwise picks on. But this goodwill is put to the test as the movie plods on, especially since Sawako proves not only to be daft, but also annoyingly ignorant. It is with disbelief that we greet a scene where Sawako so easily buys into love rival Kurumi's insinuation that her liking for Kazehaya is no different from her liking for another fellow classmate. And it is with greater disbelief and even derision that we react to the numerous scenes where Sawako is so dumb to the obvious hints that Kazehaya fancies her.

The absurdity of it all is unfortunate, for the first of the three acts in the movie actually sets it up quite nicely. Here, with some narration from Sawako herself, we learn how her long black hair and generally gloomy appearance had led her classmates to give her the name 'Sadako' after the ghost in the infamous horror 'The Ring', as well as how Kazehaya comes to become her first true friend in school. There is a generous dose of humour and playfulness that is sadly lost in the latter two acts, which are content to be melodramatic and lethargic.

Of course, the 'woes' that Sawako face could mean something for teenage girls, who can identify with the feeling of liking someone so much but never mustering enough courage to confess one's feelings. Ditto for the intended romance between Sawako and Kazehaya, which again could definitely be moving and affecting for some. But it's one thing to be young and innocent and quite another to be young and ignorant- and because our protagonist seems to be the latter than the former, this adolescent love story remains strictly for adolescent females only.

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It unfolds as a heartwarming and enchanting Japanese film, delivering a tender and relatable exploration of love, friendship, and the beauty of self-discovery.

At the center of this cinematic gem is the endearing character of Sawako, portrayed with grace and nuance by Mikako Tabe. Sawako's journey from social isolation to blossoming self-confidence is beautifully brought to life, thanks to Tabe's magnetic performance. Her portrayal captures the essence of Sawako's innocence, resilience, and the transformative power of genuine connections.

The film's strength lies in its ability to weave a compelling narrative around Sawako's interactions with her classmates, particularly Shota Kazehaya, played by Haruma Miura. The chemistry between Tabe and Miura is nothing short of magical, capturing the essence of a delicate and evolving romance. Miura's portrayal of Kazehaya adds depth to the character, making him a perfect counterpart to Sawako's sincerity.

The storytelling unfolds with a gentle yet compelling pace, allowing the audience to become emotionally invested in Sawako's journey. The film explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and the importance of being true to oneself. Sawako's character arc, from a misunderstood loner to someone who embraces her uniqueness, resonates on a universal level.

Visually, it is a treat for the senses. The cinematography captures the picturesque landscapes and the nuances of everyday life, adding a layer of visual poetry to the narrative. The use of color and light complements the emotional tone of each scene, creating an immersive experience for the viewer.

What sets this Japanese movie apart is its ability to evoke a range of emotions. From moments of heartfelt laughter to poignant reflections on the complexities of human relationships, the movie crafts an emotional landscape that feels authentic and deeply resonant.

The supporting cast adds delightful layers to the story, each character contributing to the overall warmth of the narrative. The friendships that blossom within Sawako's world are portrayed with sincerity, emphasizing the transformative power of genuine connections.

In conclusion, it is a cinematic gem that embraces the viewer with its charm, sincerity, and emotional depth. Mikako Tabe's standout performance, coupled with the enchanting chemistry between the lead characters, makes this Japanese film a must-watch for those seeking a heartwarming tale of love, self-discovery, and the beauty of genuine connections.

Based on a comic of the same title by Karuho Shiina, "Kimi ni todoke" is a movie adaptation done well, and acted superbly by the cast.

The story is a play on the movie "Ring". A girl that resemble "Sadako" of the movie Ring is being feared by her classmates. Rumored to become cursed if she looks at you, she is avoided like the real Sadako by her classmates. The girl's real name is Sawako Kuronuma (Mikako Tabe), and she's really a nice girl. While everyone is avoiding her, Shota Kazahaya (Haruma Miura) befriends her, and her popularity begins to grow. She also gets two friends Ayane Yano (Natsuna), and Chizuru Yoshida (Misako Renbutsu) who befriends her. There's a strong friendship between the four of them, and the story revolves around the four of them, their romance, and their friendship. Shota loves Sawako, and he confesses his love to her. Sawako slowly starts to accept the fact that she is worthy of Shota's love, and starts to become active part of his life.

The story is superb in describing the intricacies of friendship, and romance of the cast and characters. Each scene highlights the emotions of the characters involved, and how they are maturing in their life.

The performance of the cast is fantastic. They really carry the story with their acting, charm, and presence.

Without a question, this is one of the best teen based movie to come out of Japan in the past 10 years. It's a delight to watch, with characters that you can identify with.

A little bit disappointed that I just found out about this movie in 2024. Omg heart melts with the lead actor. He is too perfect for what I want in a man in reality. A man with an attractive smile and a funny guy. In addition to being a gentleman, he is also galant. He doesn't be shy of protect the girl he loves in front of a crowd. And show his love to her, even though he is famous and she is the one that people get away from.

After seeing it for the first time, I watched it several times in the following days and beyond. I have a crush on him, the perfect man.

A little bit confused with a girl, but her kindness and sympathy are good qualities to skip over the others. Must watch live action movie for the genre of school romance movies.

I was curious to see what the live action movie would look like. They did a wonderful job casting several of the roles. In the anime, they have the ability to really handle the raw emotions of being excluded or picked on. In the live action, they count on you just being smart enough to fill in the gaps. We of course do and it works but the emotions are much more powerful in the anime.

It's the first anime that's made me tear up and the movie did it to me also. If you like the anime, I recommend the movie. If you've never seen the anime, I still recommend the movie and I highly recommend the anime.

There is a manga that goes a bit further than both the movie and the anime...just FYI...