Movies
The Ex-idol Stuck in Life Decided to Live with a Complete Stranger
A film with a descriptive title that covers the plot rather well. Don't expect too much more from this one either. It's a relatively simple drama about a young but retired idol who struggles to get her life back on track after the buzz around her former persona dies out. Not a bad premise though. The performances are pleasant, the plot is decent, and the pacing is slow but deliberate. The presentation is by the numbers, but there are some sweet and heartfelt moments, and the film never struggled to hold my attention. A perfectly fine drama, but not distinctive enough to stand out from its peers.Read all
A cute little drama about a young woman who becomes fascinated by a guy who rents himself out as a friend. It's not the first film to handle this topic, but director Akiyama makes it less about the actual profession, and more about the bond that develops between the two. In that sense, it's a very traditional Japanese drama. There is a clear female touch present though. Something that makes the drama feel a bit lighter, and a tad more frivolous. It's not a game changer, but it helps to separate it from so many others of its kind. Add the pleasant cinematography, good performances and subtle score, and you have a solid, enjoyable movie.Read all