Hirunaka No Ryuusei [Daytime Shooting Star] (Japanese Movie)

Released Year And Length: 2017 (2 hours)

Main Cast:

Nagano Mei as Yosano Suzume

Miura Shohei as Shishio Satsuki

Shirahama Aran as Mamura Daiki

Yamamoto Maika as Nekota Yuyuka

Synopsis:

Yosano Suzume is a first grade high school student. She lived in the countryside, but, due to her parents transferring overseas for work, Suzume now lives in Tokyo with her uncle. Suzume has never had a boyfriend before, but she has feelings for her homeroom teacher Shishio Satsuki. Meanwhile, her classmate, Mamura Daiki, becomes attracted to Suzume.

My Thoughts:

I found this movie through Youtubers and decided it to be pretty interesting through the trailers of it that I saw. But, thanks to the trailers, I am forced to search for clips of its ending to see whether the ending which I desire will come true or not, if not, I will be broken hearted rooting for the person who is not meant to be with the girl.... And so, the ending was what I desired which meant I watched it! Of course hahaha...

So, there's nothing particularly special about this movie, it was just a simple love story with a little drama of teenagers experiencing love for the first time and reciprocating them. I think that this movie tops quite a few other movies I have watched in that, it does not go into a dark tone with the love triangles and everything happened in a sort of "kind" way. It was a smooth ride pretty much. Argh, it's hard to explain this movie when it's just that simple of a story. A little reveal goes a long way in spoiling the story. 

Anyways, I adore the romance in here. It was really cute watching the awkward and fresh interactions of peoples beginning to be in love and dating. The actors and actresses really portrayed well the innocence of youths about love with the stiff and formal confessions. I initially wanted to watch this movie because the setting is in high school so I expected a lot of the youthful style of acting. And they conveyed it pretty well. 

Go on and watch this simple slice of life, love story. Their cute romances will melt your heart and the ending is just so satisfying for my part. So, hope you all enjoy(ed) watching it! 

Diary Ng Panget Ko ~ Diary of An Ugly (Philippines Movie)

Released Year & Length: 2014 (2 hours)

Main Cast:

Nadine Lustre as Reah "Eya" Rodriguez

James Reid as Cross Sandford

Yassi Pressman as Lorraine "Lory" Keet

Andre Paras as Chad Jimenez

Synopsis:

Eya, a poor, self-described ugly girl, an orphan whom as soon as she turns 18, her aunts kicks her out of her house. To make ends meet, she takes a job as a nanny for Cross, an egoistic young man who completely dislikes her presence. Through certain events, they became involved with each other and bonded. In school, Eya became friends with Lory, a rich young lady who had been eyeing Cross since kindergarten. Eya also got to know of Chad, who she found out, had a crush on Lory. As time went on, Cross and Eya got entangled up in many events and feelings develop while some hearts were broken and comforted. In the end, a masquerade ball was held and Eya was entranced by her dance partner that night. Who is this dance partner? And what is to become of the love story between Cross and Eya?

My Thoughts:

This was just pure simple romantic comedy. It developed well in the beginning and finishes pretty smoothly. I would guess that this movie was the start of love pairing of James Reid and Nadine Lustre and their continuing co-starring roles. I would say I was surprised that this movie was actually originated from a Wattpad story who got famous. And I have tried to read it, the original book that is, and and the name suggests, it was written in the form of a diary. And of course,  a movie can't do that, it has to have a third person perspective, most of the time. But, you'll see they pretty kept some of the essence of a diary there. 

The leading stars have a pretty good chemistry, I felt really absorbed in their interactions. Their scenes once they bonded are so sweet and I enjoyed their moments. They're just plain simple ones but the impact is strong. Like the moment that they were on the hospital bed, I would say that's my most memorable moments due to atmosphere in the room at that point and the words exchanged within that room. One of the things that really intrigued me is how Cross is such a tough guy but he has his moments where he is not and for me that's where Eya comes to play really nicely.

The only thing that annoyed me while watching the story was that the flow of the scenes were not consistent around close to the end of the story, like I was lost in trying to understanding when does this scene happens like movies do a lot of the split chronology in scenes but at least, the viewers should be informed when certain scenes occur because it was confusing the heck out of me trying to justify the story. To me, that's the biggest flaw of the movie, but not the story, the story was pretty well designed but just the after effects from editing that was poorly done.

As always, the perfect thing is when a girl doesn't need to look pretty for a boy to fall in love with her, she just needs to be herself and let the boy chase after her, hahaha..... So, come and watch this movie because it is just that good despite the FLAW it has, because there are pretty cute love moments occurring in this movie within just a simple 2 hours. 

The Legendary Shuttle (Korean Movie)

Also Known As: The Legendary Lackey

Released Year & Length: 2016 (1 hour)

Main Cast:

Lee Ji-Hoon as Kang Chan

Kim Jin-Woo as Seo Jae Woo

Seo Ji-Hoon as Jo Tae Woong

Synopsis:

A legendary transfer student that won a 17:1 fight is here! Tough kid Tae Woong is the top of the social food chain at his school in Busan! Then shows up the legendary transfer student from Seoul, Kang Chan! And just as peace is restored another new kid from Seoul shows up! It’s Jae Woo who went to school with Chan! Why does Chan always seem nervous around Jae Woo? And Tae Woong isn’t happy with the new changes in school!

My Thoughts:

First, this is not actually a movie. It is a KBS Drama Special. It is a drama that has only one episode, I can't say it is a drama because it doesn't fit the requirements so I termed it as a movie for comfort sake. NO synopsis analysis: It is a short drama and basically any elaboration on synopsis would give a rough easy gist into it.

So, about this story, I found out about it through a youtube random showing FMVs of it and I was interested in Lee Ji Hoon playing a part in here. I've been following him for a bit so I was excited to watch him act somewhere. I was surprised that it was just a one episode though. Anyways, I truly really enjoyed it so much that I can't help but to post it into my collection even though I just watched it today. The developments in the story is so unexpected and unpredictable. And I love being surprised by a story in a good way. I truly am loving the surprises of this story. By the way, this story houses quite a number of rookie actors but I did not notice that at all. I'm always like, 'Why haven't I noticed you all before?' because they're so good at it despite being new, that I originally thought that they were quite veteran and I just missed them at some of the dramas I watch. Seriously, everyone is really good at acting, I guess it's because it's just a short drama so they can put more effort and enthusiasm into it. The energy is strong here and I/m absolutely loving it. 

Did I mention that this story is super funny? I mean seriously hilarious that despite in a serious environment, I can't hold myself back from looking like a crazy person laughing to myself. I was highly worried this story would touch a lot on bullying but it didn't generally touch on it, it just focused on the budding relationship of the main characters and how that relationship affects the other characters. I highly do not want so much negativity in my life. 

I absolutely adored Lee Ji Hoon in this, he was so great at developing contrast in his character. Tough at one point and then fragile the second. His acting really livens up the story into hilariously funny or deeply emotional sometimes funnily. The other two leads are pretty good too. With friendship being pretty much the main focus in this story, it create an interesting ride to see the friendship contrast and how it affect Kang Chan. It is really cute to watch these friendships bloom in their own way against adversity. 

I can expect a little from watching this story but overall I was fondly surprised by each event in the story. This slice-of-life story is just casual and smooth and not too heavy. It proves to be an excellent ride for me watching this story. I just have a hard time to explain that feeling when watching this story. I guess I would call it a very heartwarming story to see teenagers dealing with their problems together with their friends and grow mature together. It is just so cute to see the friendship deepen. Bromance game going as strong as ever!! Maybe you can find out for yourself, those feelings, while watching this story. It won't take long, just an hour. Enjoy!

Bride For Rent (Philippines Movie)

Released Year & Length: 2014 (2 hours)

Main Cast:

Kim Chiu as Racquelita "Rocky" Dela Cruz

Xian Lim as Roderico "Rocco" Espiritu Jr.

Synopsis:

Rocco Espiritu and Rocky Dela Cruz have one thing in common: they are both in need of money, fast. On the eve of his 25th birthday, the day he’s set to receive money from his trust fund, Rocco parties, gets drunk, and loses all his money on a poker match. Now he has to produce the amount, otherwise he will lose the client he needs to defeat his father’s TV commercial production company. Meanwhile, Rocky also needs money to pay the rent, otherwise her family will be homeless.

The only way for Rocco to get money from his trust fund is to fulfill the conditions set by his grandmother and that is to get married. That's when he meets Rocky who agrees to act as his pseudo wife in exchange for a “talent fee.” With Rocco's tempting offer and Rocky's need for money, the two seal the deal.

As Rocky and Rocco go through their married life, problems come one after another thus, they are forced to reconcile their differences and work with each other. However the real complication begins when feelings start to grow between the two of them. Will they be able to make their agreement work or will they be a victim of their own scheme and turn their whole pretense into something real?

My Thoughts:

To end the year of 2016, I present to you my favourite Philippine Movie of All Time. Seriously, I absolutely loved this movie. I will tell you that I have watched this movie many times over and never got bored of it and all its comedy. Yes, it's a comedy movie. The laughs and everything was priceless and incomparable to any other Philippine movie I have watched later. The synopsis is a bit much in explaining the story but don't let that get in the way because the movie is so much more than the synopsis. This movie is what got me into the couple's works because their chemistry is just in sync.

Synopsis analysis I guess, it is a typical plot of two leads from troubling backgrounds who meet and change each other's lives and slowly get to know each other deeper until what started as something pretend ended up as something authentic and genuine. When those feelings start rotting away on one's conscience, someone has to do something about it and not let the pretense drown one's voice. What breaks this movie away from the cliche is how they overcome problems and start getting to know each other and start being comfortable with each other. Their story is something not to be missed because of the touching moments in this story and being a hopeless romantic, I absolutely loved the interactions between these two. Besides, there's more to the story than just them, something to ponder about and strengthen in our lives. Find out more by watching, hehehe...

One thing I have to make note of is the amazing soundtrack of this story. The scenes of this movie is further enriched by the beautiful selection of soundtracks. My emotions is further enhanced listening to the soundtracks even though I don't understand it. It just perfectly settles the mood of the scene and make the story that much more worth watching. I get to enjoy the movie even more. Well, it is just something I have to say and appreciate. XD 

This may be your simple love story but I find the cuteness of their interactions and the humor which this story gives, an  A+. The surprising advances by the characters and how the character changes for the better is what makes this story even better. I hope you will enjoy this story as much as I do! Because this story is so worth the chance of at least to be watched once! Enjoy!

Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Thai Movie)

Other Names: First Love

Released Year And Length: 2010 (2 hours)

Main Cast:

Pimchanok "Baifern" Lerwisetpibol as Nam

Mario Maurer as Chon

Synopsis:

The ordinary 14 year old girl Nam is unattractive or in simple terms...ugly. But she's always been secretly in love with an older guy in grade 10 called Chon, the most popular student in high-school. He's hot, perfect and generous, and that's what makes girls go crazy about him, including Nam too. But she doesn't give up easily. She tries to do everything to make her get noticed by the boy she loves, in the hope of him turning around to look at her just one more time.

My Thoughts:

This movie was pure lovely and relaxing to watch. I don't know whether relaxing is suitable because right now my vocabulary is limited to think of a suitable pair for lovely but damn, this movie was just Thai-like for sure. Thai-like as in teaching its viewers, life lessons and moral values that works because Thais are just great at implementing any human values into their works and it blends perfectly to the story and enliven the story even more. The synopsis is just perfect at explaining the story in a way that intrigues you to see what exactly this girl did to earn the attention of her crush and the funny antics she did in that journey which will surely make for good humor amidst the slow but fluffy flow of the story.

On to the synopsis analysis, the crush in this story is so cute and relate-able to the max because who never had the experience where they liked someone and thinks that they are not really that worth the attention and wants to make a change so that the crush will notice them and finally make their life more beautiful. Because that's just it about this story, it relates the story that most people went through and enriches it with values and comedy. Now, that's a story I want to watch for sure because I understand the character and can empathize with the character and seeing the story makes me want to root for the character as if the character was my friend. And it's not just earning the crush attention at stake here, well, watch the movie to find out what else drives her to work hard.

Expect cute advances and jaw-dropping humor also the amazing things that this girl did, when a character pours so much hardwork, you can't help but be proud of her. This is a cute and lovely movie, worthy of being produced by Thais and fun fact, it is based on a true story and I am serious. Won't it be lovely to watch a movie about a real life person's journey which just proves how relate-able this story is because a single person's story won't be enough to garner attention right? Anyways, enjoy!

May Who? (Thai Movie)

Other Names: May Nai Fai Fang Frer

Released Year and Length: 2015 (2 hours)

Main Cast:

Udomsilp Suthatta as May Nai

Mahayotaruk "Bank" Thiti as Pong

Leeratanakajorn "Tor" Thanapob as Fame

Synopsis:

Pong is a high school geek who belongs to a group of high school outcasts known as the ‘Invisibles’. He enjoys letting his imagination run wild, drawing cartoons of a girl he likes. He doesn’t have the guts to ask her out because she belongs to a more popular clique in school. Pong’s cartoon illustration is the reason he gets to know a schoolmate named May. A nickname, so common for Thai girls that whenever anyone talks about a girl named May, whoever is listening will ask, “May who?”

My Thoughts:

I decided to start with this movie because this was one of the best recent movie that I have watched, recent being last year because this year I have not watched many movies yet. I would say this was practically the funnest movie ever, I literally liked the attention to detail since this movie was taken from a comic so to see them putting comics scenes in respect to the original was amazing and enhance the viewing experience because it is not everyday you get to watch a movie and also a comic at the same time.

This movie was super electric, filled with excitement and action. I liked the way the movie flowed that the comedy of it was funny and the sentimental parts are sad. The story was amazingly executed where I did not get bored for even a single minute. Fantastic and a movie to watch for sure. Don't miss it.