Movie Review: Your Lie in April

This review is a bit late, *gomen* just busy with the holiday rush, work and other events but here it is! 

I haven't been watching any anime series lately so it was nice to get reminisce those "feels" with the live movie adaptation of "Your Lie in April". Which is based on the manga series "Shigatsu wa Kimo no Uso" by Naoshi Arakawa, first published in May of 2011.

 It's impressive how they were able to fit 23 episodes into a movie, although I haven't seen the anime, my brother (who was my movie buddy for the premiere. since he is a fan of the series) was filling me in on the details/similarities and what not. I have to say that it was a good call that I didn't put on make up because true to form, I was crying like a baby before the movie ended something my brother always finds hilarious.

Speaking of hilarious, the audience's reactions were pretty much on cue with what was happening on screen. They laughed and got giddy in such a boisterous way it was funny. There was even a girl in the audience who shouted (for the entire cinema to hear) "Eh di wow!" at a scene in the movie, that was how invested they were with the characters. 

So what is it all about? 

Piano prodigy Kosei Arima (Kento Yamazaki) has lost the will and passion to play music, which has something to do with the death of his strict mother who taught him to play the piano. He meets the spirited violin player Kaori Miyazano (Suzu Hirose) who gets him to play the piano again, through forceful and funny means and it is through their time together that Kosei slowly starts to have feelings for Kaori, but she keeps a secret, a lie that changes them both forever. 

I have to say, I enjoyed (and appreciated) the story's focus on classical music which is what brings our two characters together. It's a refreshing change from the pop-song centric, romantic films that have come out recently (Music and Lyrics, Begin Again). You don't need to be an expert on Beethoven or Mozart to enjoy the music that they play. 

Both characters are on fire when they play their respective instruments on stage. I was also pleased to know that the actors learned how to play the piano and violin for six months prior to filming. It is actually them that you see playing the instruments, no trick shots which is obvious in other films.  

The visuals make you feel that you're watching an anime episode, from the beautiful cherry blossoms, the calm sea, the popular "roof top" hangout at school, its just beautiful. 

I just felt that the second act was weaker than the first and last, I guess this is the downfall of fitting 23 episodes into a 122 minute movie, you won't really get to have the full gist or feel of the story. Of course, you can always watch the series! :) 

If you're into Asian movies, anime, or a fan of the series you should not miss this in cinemas. 7 out of 10. "Your Lie In April" is now showing! 

Looking Beyond: Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno

"Huli man at magaling, maihahabol din." 

It is never too late to offer anything that is good. 

With this Filipino saying in mind, I am writing this review of mine, of Rurouni Kenshin Kyoto Inferno; despite having all of the Spoiler Free reviews out there or despite having all the movie reviews out there - period. Every since getting the opportunity to view films in special advanced screenings, I have always made it a point to come out with a movie review as soon as possible, I mean isn't that what all bloggers aim for? A movie review after a movie has already been showing for days would be 'mudada' or useless. Especially one that has received so much media coverage as Kyoto Inferno and to think that the first movie would not have even seen the light of day in any cinema in the Philippines, were it not for the continued support of it's avid fans. 

And so I am writing this as an avid fan, I am writing this as that blogger that I was when the first movie came out, I am writing this not just to say that the movie was amazing and you should all see it because every other writer, blogger and movie critique has already said that. 

As the title above says, this piece is geared more to be (or at least I think that it is shaping up to be) an essay of sorts, yes I was the type of student who worked hard on my essays, often burning the midnight oil and forming callouses on my fingers. Yes, kids, during my time (High School) essays were written by hand, with pen, on paper-shocking. 

So with this warning and caution, I proceed with this essay in the hopes that you, oh dear reader will see it with me through the end. 

It is already Sunday as I am writing this, Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno has already been in cinemas every since Wednesday, and of course anyone who has been planning to see it, probably already has and as I have already mentioned this piece is more of an essay so spoilers will be over the place. 

I thought that reviewing Kyoto Inferno which is the first part of a two-movie sequel (the second being Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends, which comes out next month) would be difficult to review as a single entity or movie since it is just one part of a two movie sequel. 

Although not having a 'conclusion' that will let you sleep peacefully at night Kyoto Inferno on it's own stands as a single entity and is filled with overwhelming themes of peace, hope, despair, revenge,that I have understood at some level the meaning behind the movie tag line "Feel the Future" 

The Children, The Children!

There are two scenes in the movie that tugged at my heart strings the same way, I was crying throughout the movie, my husband kept on bonking me at the head every time he would hear me stifle a sniffle, I was crying so much you'd think that I was watching a drama instead of an action movie. 

In these two scenes were so much tears were shed, Kenshin goes out on a limb to save the future- that is it say, children. One, is a young boy whose family is killed as collateral damage in Shishio's own private resort (hot springs) village. Praise to Sato Takeru's portrayal of Kenshin as you can see him transform thoughout the movie, becoming more somber and determined to stop Shishio as he comes face to face with the carnage, violence and death that Shishio's plans have wrought. 

He stops a young boy as he is urged on by his (cowardly) villagers to take revenge on the men that killed his parents, consumed with grief and hate the young boy lets out a cry of anguish as he is about to stab one of the men who killed and hung his family but before the dagger lands, Kenshin stops him in time. He says: "Do not spoil these little hands, soon they will become big hands and you should use them to protect your family-just like your brother did." (I'm just recalling the lines from memory, sorry if it's not exact) that was such a powerful scene for me, as you are watching this you see the violence and you think that what is playing before your eyes is too awful and too unspeakable to be true but then at the back of your mind and deep down in your heart, you know that there are children being beheaded and young children being turned into soldiers. You know that there are still wars in other countries being fought and so many innocent children are caught in the cross fire. 

In yet another scene where Kenshin risks his life to save a baby, he is taunted by his opponent, by asking if he would lay down his life for one child. Kenshin says that "yes- he would, as the children are the future, the future of an era he has fought for". In yet another powerful line in the movie, the sword maker Arai Shakku says that the swords that he create are not for his son's time but for the peace of his child after' (or something to that extent). It had me thinking, what kind of world are we leaving our children and future generations to live in? Is there any real peace even without war? What about the everyday wars and struggles that we face? How do we face them?

Rurouni Kenshin Stars and Director to Attend Philippine Premiere

UP CLOSE: Fans will be seeing these amazing actors in the flesh. Takeru Sato (Kenshin Himura),  Emi Tanaka (Kaoru Kamiya),
Aoki Muneteka (Sanosuke Sagara) 

While every other fangirl is going gaga over the recently released Fifty Shades of Grey trailer (I'm not a fan-really) a whole different spectrum of fangirls and boys were going gaga over the confirmed news that the cast and director of Warner Bros. Pictures Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno will be attending the Philippine Premiere. 

Wait! What? Yes - boys and girls (or in my case, young adults) you have that right! Actors Takeru Sato (Kenshin Himura), actress Emi Tanaka (Kaoru Kamiya), actor Aoki Muneteka (Sanosuke Sagara) along with director Keishi Otomo will be attending the invitational red carpet premiere on August 6 at SM Megamall. There is also a scheduled Public Press conference with the media and fans on August 7 at the Glorieta Activity Center in Makati. 

I still think that Half Pinay/Half Japanese Maryjun Tanaka who will be playing Ayumi - Shishio Makoto's lady love should come as well - she did post on her Instagram account that she's been to Megamall often :P I think it would be a great homecoming for her. :) 

The announcement was made today by William Ireton, President & Representative Director of Warner Entertainment Japan Inc., and Francis Soliven, General Manager of Warner Bros. Philippines. 

Now this is BIG news for fans and followers of the scarred wandering samurai who has always had a special place in the hearts of his Filipino fans. It's amazing to think that when the first Rurouni Kenshin film came out in 2012, it seemed that it would not even be shown locally but after four months from it's release in Japan, the movie was released in the Philippines and has become the largest grossing Japanese film in the Philippines. Looking back at my blog post/movie review here. I remember that there were sold out screenings and people had to wait 4-5 hours until the next screening. Fans watched the movie 2-3 times in the cinema and it was always a full house.   

During the big announcement Ireton also said that “We are thrilled to bring director Keishi Otomo and castmembers Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei and Munetaka Aoki to Manila so they can personally thank and engage with the loyal fans of `Rurouni Kenshin.' The Philippines is a very important market for the franchise as proven by the outstanding box-office success in Manila of the first `Rurouni Kenshin' film in 2013.”
  
Soliven also said: “Moviegoers in the Philippines have helped create a wave of anticipation and excitement for the `Rurouni Kenshin' sequels and the upcoming talent visit is a much welcome recognition of the fans' ardent support. 

I should say so there were so many online petitions to have the movie screened here the first time around, fans are just happy they didn't have to go through all that for the sequels.

If you have been reading the blog you would know that I have been blogging a lot about the Rurouni Kenshin films. So much so that I was actually given a movie poster of the first movie :P 

A Happy Me with my Rurouni Kenshin poster back in January of 2013. 

I guess the fact that Warner Bros. had a special exhibit of Rurouni Kenshin costumes used in the movie during Toycon was already a sign - a sign - that all of this would be possible. 

Black Butler Movie Review

Before I go on with this movie review I'll go ahead and say it - I have not seen the anime nor have I read the Manga. So this review will be from the eyes and perspective of an Otaku who will be seeing this franchise first through the live action movie. 

And in this day and age of all sorts of adaptations you have to start somewhere right? 

So here are my INITIAL thoughts of the movie - the adaptation was really well made, it was not cheap, the sets were very elaborate from breathtaking gardens, to colorful night carnivals. The fight scenes were well executed, none of the corny predictable trying hard martial arts bit. I have to admit though that the movie got a bit draggy during the climax, like they really squeezed every bit of what they could. It was still an enjoyable movie even for someone who's not really familiar with the franchise. 

Set in a world ruled by two kingdoms- The East and The West, which looks like a modern Victorian England littered with mobs, arms dealers, human traffickers and drug lords. 

Shiori/Kiyoharu Genpo (Ayame Gouriki) is a descendant of the noble family Phantomhive in England, runs the prestigious Funtom corporation but aside from his CEOish duties he also has a double life as a Queen's watchdog. Which means going on fun missions such as investigating a mysterious series of mummified murders of high ranking members of the government. 

More than just tea: As a butler Sebastian can bring you everything your heart desires - for a price. 

Kiyoharu investigates and brings along his faithful butler who can defeat a whole gang of armed mobsters just with a butter knife and he also gets up after being shot in the head oh-did I forget to mention that he is no ordinary butler as he is the devil himself.  

As a young child, Kiyoharu's parents (who are all but royalty) are murdered in front of him. In order to seek revenge, he makes a pact with the devil, who will serve him (as a butler no less) but the service goes beyond normal butler duties and involves pretty much being his personal army. The price? Of course - Kiyoharu's soul, once he is able to extract revenge on those who killed his parents. While Kiyoharu and Sebastian infiltrate private clubs and break in Laboratories, they don't realize that the true danger is actually closer than they think.  

Who is behind all the gruesome murders? Will Kiyoharu get his revenge? Will Sebastian consume his soul? These are just some of the burning questions that go on in the movie - and you'll just have to watch to find out :P 

Along with the impressive sets the movie also showcases great talent and acting from Ayame Gouriki as the deadpan Kiyoharu and Hiro Mizushima as the devilish butler Sebastian. 

Hiro Mizushima as Sebastian.
I wouldn't want to use that butter knife with my bread. 

Although riddled with cliches and as mentioned earlier, the climax got too draggy, as they tried to insert thought provoking themes on the goodness and evil of humans (as often seen in Anime) but I think that given it was a movie and not a 24 series anime, there really was not that much time to squeeze in all those deep questions and realizations on the nature of humans. 

Guns and Gothic Lolita. Mizuki Yamamoto as the Maid Rin

Whether you're a fan of the anime or you just want to check out the movie, it will be a fun treat with a date or maybe with friends. :)