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Love Stage!! (Japanese)

Yes, I do understand that adaptations from manga are supposed to be over the top. By now, I have seen enough for me to get used to the over the top acting, but I can't help chuckle every single time, I see these sudden reactions and sounds that the actors make. It catches me off guard every single time. But that's just my personal issue, so let's move on from that. This film is mediocre at best.

Ryoma is a famous big actor who still hasn't forgotten about his childhood crush. Ten years ago, as a kid he crushed on his co-star, a little girl, who helped him get over his nervousness. In order to meet his crush again, Ryoma arranges a re-enactment of the wedding commercial ten years later, using the same actors as the previous ad. To his shock, it turns out his crush is actually a man names Izumi, who was dressed a sa girl for the commercial. The new wedding commercial is shot and somehow Ryoma can't get Izumi out of his head, despite being very disappointed by finding out that his crush is a boy. Izumi's popularity rises after the commercial but he has no interest in stardom but he is a geek and is more interested in publishing his first manga instead. Troubled Ryoma pays Izumi a visit and kisses him hoping to confront his feelings. Next day, Ryoma apologizes profusely for his inappropriate actions, hoping that he can start a friendship with Izumi on a much better note. Touched by his sincerity, Izumi keeps in contact with his new friend. The two of them forge a bond that gradually becomes romantic.

The storytelling is really awkward here and the focus keeps constantly shifting. The romantic track is half-baked and very shallow and just suddenly develops between the two characters. Some stories work well on paper but not as a live action film, I suppose. Also the comic timing is so poor that you barely crack a smile, forget laughter. The acting and direction was amateurish and exaggerated, as I already mentioned above and I'd blame the director for that. The actors were probably just doing what they were asked to do. The brother's love story with the manager was just touched upon for no reason whatsoever. Either that should have been a parallel track or there was no need for it all all. A huge disappointment overall. (3.5/10)

Comments

edward said…
Thanks for your review. I think Cherry Magic was the best manga adaptation I've seen, I still wish they would do a sequel. I recently finished another adaptation called Given. It wasn't bad but I enjoyed the animated version much more. BTW, I've been looking everywhere for Firebird based on your review but can't find it. I think they are hoping to release it in the theaters?
Golu said…
oh I hope you an find that soon. Firebird was really nice.
I am sure if you searched hard enough, you will find it. :)
Sailor Maan said…
@Edward I agree nothing beats the cuteness of Cherry Magic. I loved Given though!! Gave me a small "Beck" feeling (if you know it), thus having me lose all objectivity lol. Golu I think you might like it too. As for love stage I will gently avoid this adaptation now thank you Golu ^^. I saw there was a thai adaptation coming this year as well, maybe I'll try this one instead...
Golu said…
Will add Given to the list now
Miisu said…
Well, just finished the Thai version. Since I was looking for fluff and got what I expected, and the storyline moved at normal pace, something was happening in every episode, so I think it's a fine version of the story - the acting was decent, locations also, but there was nothing special to make this series stand out. Some scenes were overly dramatic, some were not dramatic enough :D Loved the hedgehog :P
Golu said…
I think I ended up reviewing the Thai version a couple of days after you posted this comment. lol
small world !!
Miisu said…
Small world and great minds :D

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