[Japanese] Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)

Title: Kimi ni Todoke
Genre: Romance, Drama
Writer: Karuho Shiina (Manga), Script by Rika Nezu, Naoto Kumazawa
Director: Naoto Kumazawa
Producer: TakahiroSato
Cinematographer: Masayuki Fujii
Release Date: September 25, 2010
Runtime: 128min

Main Cast:
Mikako Tabe - Sawako Kuronuma
Haruma Miura - Shota Kazehaya
Misako Renbutsu - Chizuru Yoshida
Natsune Watanabe - Ayane Yano
Mirei Kiritani - Ume Kurumizawa
Haru Aoyama - Ryu Sanada

Plot:
Well meaning but socially awkward Sawako Kuronuma(Miakako Tabe) is often misunderstood and referred to as Sadako, because of her long dark hair and general gloomy appearance which is similar to the character Sadako from 'The Ring' (a popular Japanese horror movie). She is shunned and feared by everyone. Things begin to change when the popular, easy going Shota Kazehaya(Haruma Miura) starts talking with her.

Trailer:

                                       

My Prattle:
This is my first post. Since February reminds us of Valentine's Day, I've decide to post only romance movies all month. I watched this movie about a month back. When I started wondering what would be the best movie to start with, this was all that came to my mind, even if this wasn't the only romance movie that i've watched recently. I wonder why...

Cast can be one of the main reasons. I like Haruma a lot, and the reason i came across this movie in the first place is also Haruma. And i am also familiar with Mikako Tabe from a drama of hers. When I first read the movie plot, and saw the trailer, i thought that, no other cast could have been more perfect than these two for these roles. Even after watching the movie, my opinion didn't change. I think they are the strongest scoring points for the film. The rest of the cast was good too.

The next main reason could be the story line. It is a really sweet love story. After watching the movie, my first thought was " Aw that was so sweet". It had all the innocence and freshness of a high school love. I thought it might be perfect for the starting post. It shows how, some times unless we talk things through or express in words, it's hard for feelings to reach the other person. And hence the name, "From me to You". The insecure and unsure feelings of a shunned person are also shown well.   

The cast was good and the story line was good. But it is a slow paced movie, and hence might not appeal to everyone. And as with every movie made from a series, it might not reach the expectations of those who are already acquainted with the series. Since it feels like it is made of bits cutout from a longer, wider and more clear picture of the plot. I think the effort was good though. Since they tried to cover all the basic points of the plot, of how she makes new friends and how she deals with the problems that come along with the attention of the popular boy in school. It is aimed at teens, and so might not suit the tastes of adult audience.

In short it is worth watching. It is one of those movies, that has nothing that we haven't already seen somewhere, and yet seems new. It is a sweet, cute and innocent high school love story.  

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