@ThatQuebecGuy: I’ve noticed that bullying in Japan is remarkably sophisticated and malicious. I mostly associate bullying with people being aggressive in school, but the systematic humiliation and life-scarring abuse inflicted by these Japanese bullies is that much worse. On a related note, there are always news stories about Japanese school-girls selling their panties to random men in the street, which suggests an innocence appears to be lacking in a lot of Japan’s youth.

Also: yes, do start up that Asian film blog. I wish my English was better so I could offer you some help (not implying you need or would accept it, mind you). Asian films – classics in particular- aren’t getting the attention they deserve.

It’s a very subversive film, I guess, which is why I was struggling to pin down my thoughts. For example, if you take a look at the images above, they are genuienly beautiful, especially the whole scene involving Tsuda and the kites; of course, this objective beauty starkly contrasts with the horrible events of her life, ultimately culminating in her suicide. I suppose what I was trying to say is that even though she had such a hard time with Hoshino, she still had this moment of revelation, a kind of euphoric happiness. That whole scene, including how Hoshino and Yuichi are urging each other to “BREATHE!”, really struck a chord with me. I hate having to constantly use the word “beautiful” to describe it, because I think there might be a word more apt to convey how it makes me feel, it’s beautiful, yet inevitable, sad and tragic.

I don’t blame you for not enjoying it. I didn’t enjoy it either, at least, didn’t enjoy it in a conventional sense. I didn’t finish it feeling happy, I left it feeling angry, annoyed and sad, but I’m glad I watched it, because it effected me in a quite profound way. I guess it’s a nice film to compare with Linda Linda Linda, because while that’s essentially a romantic fantasy about Japanese youth, I suspect All About Lily Chou-Chou is far more realistic.

Sorry, I know that’s a bit of a long reply, but even now, I guess it’s a film that effects me on multiple levels. In short, I agree with your comment!

@okiu14: Thanks for another recommendation, and another film that’s totally flown under my radar until today. Will add it to the list.

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I’m starting to wonder whether or not I should start up an Asian film blog! I watched this movie called “Chaser” the other day [IMDB]; another very good, very stylish and gritty South Korean thriller ala Old Boy.

BTW, just saw Happily Ever After. I hadn’t read the manga so I didn’t know really what to expect. It was quite a funny, emotional, sweet movie. I definitely recommend it. Very good “over”-acting.

This was a weird movie. Can’t say I liked watching it, as it aggravated me beyond belief. Especially the girl-gangleader, cheering on the rape of an innocent girl prior to blaming Hoshino when the victim displays her shame outward and another commits suicide. I’ve no history of bullying, but for some reason that unjustice réally gets to me.

In my experience your final sentence (”It knows that life can be harsh, yet has moments of beauty too”) doesn’t quite the capture this movie’s essence though. It implies a balance of the good and the bad, while I felt the bad severely outweighed the good in this film; and even the little good wasn’t áctually all that good. Against the background of smashed, shut personalities, banged up by shame, humiliation and broken pride, those few moments of (mostly silent) enjoyment might only be considered ‘good’ because they put the pain inducing context ‘on hold’…

Also, hope you enjoy the movie

On a completely unrelated note; it seems that Manga-Sketchbook actually finished their scanlation of Zashiki Onna, don’t know if you knew or if you’re still interested, but it’s there. I guess they saved me quite a bit of work, though I did scanlate a complete chapter for nothing.