Cherry Magic: The Movie (Japanese)

Cherry Magic is one of those dramas that was unanimously liked. I didn't read a single bad review, probably because the premise was in general a very positive one and it didn't have an unnecessary drama. With its two charming leads, we all rooted for them. The film is a logical extension to the love story of Adachi and Kurosawa and just shows us how naturally their relationship is progressing over the years. The film might be simple and probably cliched for some in its story but it still has all the tenderness, charm and purity that one expects based on the show.

Adachi and Kurosawa are a couple now (but unknown to everyone around them) and they enjoy each other's company. Adachi can still hear Kurosawa's inner thoughts. One day Adachi gets an opportunity to move to a different city for 8 months as a work promotion. He is excited about the prospect but also worried since Kurosawa had made so many plans of them spending time together. But when Kurosawa mentions that he is supportive of him going, he moves to a different city. He gets busy there and we see a slight lack of communication between them. When overworked Adachi gets into a minor accident at work, Kurosawa rushes to his help and the duo finally tan about their innermost feelings and fears. That night they also consulate their relationship which leads to Adachi losing his special powers and he is actually happy about it. The accident also makes them realize that since they are officially not a couple, in times of emergency, neither of them will be notified of the other's situation. They decide to come out to the people who they care about. The film then shows they both introducing the other to their families and how the families react, initially hesitant but eventually accepting. Kurosawa finally proposes to Adachi and the film ends happily with a wedding.

I think the moral of the story is very much about embracing and loving the simple side of life. Just like the series, I really enjoyed the small little things and the lack of drama just for the sake of it. When Adachi moves to a different city, I feared that they will create drama, but when they meet after few months and talk about their insecurities, both the characters felt so real and vulnerable. I guess when you are new in a relationship, we all fear about certain things and are fearful of completely opening up ourselves for our love. And that's natural. What was nice to see they completely open upland see how the other person was almost as unsure as they themselves were. Also the one big change in the film was that we see a more confident Adachi both professionally and personally, and this comes out when he meets Kurosawa's family. This time he gets an opportunity to show his true love for Kurosawa. The film had emotion, drama and subtle romance, but just like the series my issue is that they don't really show any physical closeness. Forget anything sexual, but even for a simple kiss, the camera would pan out and you have to imagine they kissed. I mean its 2022, and I am sure we can do better tp portray them as a real life couple. Despite this, they made me believed in their story, they made me emotional and made my heart flutter. The film is tender, simple, probably cliche, but full of love. One statement that stood out for me is when Adachi says "When you're weak, I'll be strong. And when I'm weak, I'd appreciate a helping hand from you." A statement like this sums up what a happy positive relationship should look like. As actors the two leads exude the same charm and it never feels that there was any gap. They are handsome, charing and very much into their character.

I would recommend this film for sure, especially when you are feeling low and want to just get some good positive vibes in your life and to hope that everything will be ok. (7.5/10)