Chihayafuru Part I

It's amazing how I completely adored this movie even though I had not an inkling of what Chihayafuru (the card game) was about. There was exhilaration, frustration, humor, nervousness and just all-round pleasure watching every second go by in this movie.

The director does so well at presenting this game to every audience, and captures the passion and love for the game, such that you yourself also fall for it. I watched this movie at random, and was so amazed that I watched all the other 2 sequels.

What Japanese dramas & movies excel in is telling a moral story. And I cannot believe just how much I learnt from a movie about cards.

The lead actress and side casts are all very well pieced together, and form a perfect blend as a team. Suzu Hirose has to be one of the best actresses that I have ever come across. So young, and yet her face is able to portray so many different forms of emotions. Her dorkiness also brings so much infectious joy to the movie. You really don't know whether you have actually fallen for the cast or the card game itself. I've to say, hollywood cannot replicate this level of emotions and depth.

You won't regret having watched this.