Another successful Eiga-Sai and I got to see eight of the ten films (well... six since I already saw Villain and Permanent Nobara). And although for me this year's selection isn't as good as last year, I'm pretty much satisfied and congratulate the Japan Foundation Manila for another superb Eiga-Sai.
I'll just cover four films as these for me are the strongest of the bunch. I was really hoping that Confessions(Kokuhaku) would be the feature instead of the movie Villain (Akunin). None the less Villain shines because of the excellent acting (Winner of Best Actor, Actrees, Supporting Actor and Actress in Japan).
Now on to the first movie, In His Chart (Kamisama no Karute)
I am a fan of Miyazaki Aoi and In his Chart is one of the movies where she just lets you charm her way into your heart even though she's just there supporting Sakuragi Sho. I have to say that Sho did a great job with his character, I really like his running gag throughout the film (I'm honored but I'm already married.) It's one of those cheesy Japanese drama but it just charms itself into your heart and cuddle you up like a spoiled baby. It reminds me of Departures(last year's feature film), it's not as good but it'll win you over. (or maybe I'm just a fanboy of Aoi)
Permanent Nobara
I've seen this on Screen Red a few days before Eiga-Sai, the slow pace might throw people off (or even bore them) but the climax and the acting of the cast is very good. The climax will grip and wrench your heart out, after 70mins of wonder and/or boredom. The movie's score is also one of the best.
Happy Flight
I've been a Yaguchi Shinobu thanks to Waterboys and my favorite Swing Girls. This time he puts this comedic ensemble to the skies. Probably the funniest and easy to digest of all the films in this year's festival. Happy Flight delivers undoubtedly, but anyone who have seen Yaguchi's glory in Waterboys and Swing Girls will feel this is not up to par. Not to fret this is still a very entertaining movie.
Tomorrow's Joe (Ashita no Joe)
This one really surprised me, I was expecting it to be an eye candy of sort for the Yamapi Fans, but it actually delivers. The set and costumes work amazingly, and even the boxing! This is one of the best movies when it comes to the sport (well the first boxing match is brilliant, the others...) The style and feel of the movie blew my expectations away. Nice job, not your typical good looking pop idol flick.
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