Wasurenai to chikatta boku ga ita

The Japanese manga writers, screenplay drafters, directors would bail out of the teenage romance syndrome? Now it all seem to me that the Asian countries' literary people and movie industries are obsessed with this kind of teenage romance and love stories by Japan in the lead, faithfully followed by its loyal peers, such as Mainland China, Korea, Taiwan, Philippin, Vietnam, Thailand, Malasia, Indonesia...They all keep churning out these puppy loves crap in junior high, high or even in the elementary schools. Yeah, right, we are all supposedly to have some regretful unrealized puppy loves when we grew up. But so obsessively grab the past and never let go is somewhat a syndrome to novel writers and screenplay writers, like recycled versions keep producing on and on, again and again.

This movie is no exception, just another high school puppy love fantasy so popular and polluting the Japanese universe. Enough is enough, better grow out of this naive puberty fantasy sooner than later.

"One day when we were young...." yeah, right, it's a beautiful and nostalgic song that could only be sung quietly when you're alone. Don't let your current wife or husband to hear, allowing them to suspect you've got so much pains and regrets to your current marriages. Git and get a grab to your current moment, will you?

This is actually a really nice film once it gets going, but it takes a while to get there. I've never seen a film get carried solely on one actress's smile like the first half of this film does. That's about the only thing that kept me watching through the first half.

The premise is utterly bonkers, and the whole first half of the film is dedicated to introducing that premise. The dialogue is clunky, and at the start you have to suffer a lot of "I'm a weird elusive girl but you'll just have to get with the program and follow me" moments which gets exhausting instantly. I found myself getting quite annoyed by the main female at the start, rather than curious about her. The English translation also sucks, which makes conversations confusing. And the side characters are mostly lifeless. If they spent less time on introducing the premise, this bit might be more bearable. Although once you get further on you might appreciate why they chose to do that.

It does pick up later. Seeing the 'home video'-style bits on Youtube are how I first heard of this film, and those are certainly highlights. Pretty, cute moments captured in that style, or sweet rendezvous scenes on bridges or rooftops. That's where you'll get sucked in.

The longing tone sets in late, but it overpowers all the clunkiness or annoyance you suffered in the first half. It even threatens to get philosophical at parts. Ultimately this film did manage to move me, despite irriatating me at the start. And you realise the actors are both good by the end too. Sweet film overall, if you're patient.

The premise is implausible in such a way that it introduces so many holes and logical errors right from the get-go, so I was quite sceptical. But if you can suspend disbelief from the rational side of your brain, it's actually quite a sweet (or bittersweet) romance with a good underlying message. Usually the movies of this genre are too long, this one could have been a bit longer though. I think the story had even more potential. That's my only small criticism.

Wasurenai to Chikatta Boku ga Ita, or (Forget me not) is a must watch for Romance/drama fans, though be ready for a bittersweet experience.

Story - 4/5

(I'll assume you've read the bio, as that more than adequately sums up the plot)

Whilst simple, it does everything it needs to. Not much is explained about how Azusa got her condition, but to say the movie suffers without it would be harsh considering the overall experience was enjoyable.

However be warned, without spoiling it, the ending may not be perfect for some. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, but I can see others not having the same opinion.

Direction/Soundtrack - 5/5

I was pleasantly surprised by the look and sound, as I was fully engrossed in the nostalgic feel this movie gives off. Nearly every shot is beautiful, and it perfectly expresses everything you need to know. The subtlety of the piano based score also adds to a wonderful experience, and emphasises the emotions this film brings.

Acting - 5/5

Without being too over the top, I found both actors possessing all the characteristics and emotions needed to be likable. Akari Hayami, as Azusa, felt lonely and wary of her "problem", yet became much more than that as the story progresses.

The stand-out performance for me however was Nijirô Murakami, as Takashi. He was perfect in his role, feeling like a real person rather than an actor on screen. He dealt with all the highs and lows of the film with conviction, yet he never performed over the top. I felt I was suffering with him, which could be said for both actors.

The side characters whilst enjoyable, are rather forgetful however.

To summarise then. It covers all the emotions, and the actors who convey these feeling felt believable and likable. It is also directed well, with a emotional score. However, the lack of explanation to the plot, and your outlook on the ending may be enough to ruin it for some.

Overall however I found it to be one of my all time favourite Romance/Dramas, one I would recommend highly.