Skip to main content

Let's Eat Together, Aki and Haru: More Please (Japanese)

Continuing with the ambiguous love story between Aki and Haru, the sequel of the original movie was much awaited. I was hoping that after having tread the lines of friendship in the original movie, this one will focus more on the actual budding romance and the feeling that the two boys share for one another. It happens but too late in the game. It's only in the last 5-10 minutes of the film when they confess their true feelings and something meaningful happens. Till that point, sadly it continues to be spiritual sequel while retaining the charm of the original film.

Aki and Haru have now lived together for 3 years and are now in their final year of university. The two friends cherish their mealtimes together, enjoying casual chats, playful jokes, and each other's company. They are both at the point where they are looking for a job. Aki is nervous about interviewing but he finally finds a job in home decor. The two friends are quite happy with the news. Haru continues his passion for photpgraphy and he knows that the job in that field would be limited. Knowing this he even declines a video editor job that he gets. Both friends have still doubts on what future holds for them. Closer to finishing the university, Aki gets to know that his job will be in Osaka, which means Haru will also have a look for a new house to live. His worst fear comes true of being away from Haru. He realizes that he is in love with Haru but decides to keep his feelings to himself. Almost towards the end of college year, Haru says that he doesn't want to move the house because it has memories with Aki and this is when Aki confesses that he is in love with Haru. Initially Haru is surprised but quickly realizes that all his feelings for Aki also are nothing but true love. The film ends with Aki moving to Osaka for job but frequently keeps visiting Haru continuing to make memories.

Just like the predecessor, the movie quickly settles into a familiar rhythm, reacquainting us with the two lovable leads. Both the boys are as goofy as before and we continue to see some delightful meals that Aki prepares. Although I do have to say that this time there were too many surprises when it comes to food. The film soon moves to the realistic challenges of two young adults preparing for life after graduation and the uncertainty that the life will bring for them. In that sense the film is very relatable. But then, I was looking for more love and romance and sadly that happens towards the very end of the film.  It acknowledges Aki and Haru's attraction instead of only implying they have a close relationship. I appreciate getting direct confirmation that they are interested in each other. Still the romance is timid, there is no kiss or much physical attraction; it still feels like bromance. Let's Eat Together, Aki and Haru: More Please has a happy ending as the couple plans their future together. The last few scenes show them laughing, goofing around, and sharing hearty meals. Their interactions seem sweet and genuine. The film is a feel good film, but nothing more than that to be honest. I expected a lot form from this sequel, so for me this will be strictly average fare. (5/10)

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Shortest Distance is Round 3: Fallen Flowers

Continuing with the weird trilogy of "The Shortest Distance", I am so glad that finally I am done with part 3 and won't have to deal with this again in future. Thankfully, as of now the makers have not announced any further parts; which will save all of us on this earth from the embarrassment of watching this in near future. After the first 10 minutes are used in sort of recapping bits of first two parts, the story moves forward. Haruto is now starting to have feelings for Ruka, the mysterious pole dancer from second part. In a fit of rage, Ruka ends up killing the goat man and to save him and Haruto, Shibahara asks them to go underground. Meanwhile Shibahara continues the search for Seiya (the guy who had cut off Haruto's penis). It turns out Seiya is now also taking care of the original club owner from part 1. Both of them were released after they had informed Shibahara of Aoyama's secret location. Shibahara tortures Seiya's boyfriend leading to Seiya killin...

Sei no Gekiyaku (Japanese) [Dangerous Drugs of Sex]

Every person has their own unique way of dealing with loss. This film is as much a psychological thriller as it is a soft porn BDSM portrayal of two young men that makes the film overall horrifying as well as humane. It is really hard to describe the genre of this film in one word. Its important not that the film has some really disturbing scenes so if you go into seeing this film, please proceed with caution. Although any sexual non-consensual activity is not ok, this film has its won strange way of showing that suicide is not the only solution to all life's problems. Makoto is a regular office goer, who just finds out that his girlfriend is probably cheating on him. ON top of it, his parents sudden death coming back from a trip that he forced them to take, he gets completely dejected and decides to commit suicide. Unknown to him, he is saved by mysterious man Yoda Ryoji, and he wakes up finding himself tied up in leather and belts in a very BDSM setting. This mysterious saver soo...

One Summer Night (Korean)

I really wanted to like this film but for non native speakers, these movie leaves a lot to be understood and the way scenes were unfolding in front of me, I wasn't sure many times what was really going on. The story had potential button getting any back story on any of the characters limited my ability to empathize with any of these actors. Film starts with two North Korea military guys Yong Joon and Jae Sung having sex and they are caught red handed and they run. Three years later we see Yong Joon in Seoul leading a very mundane and poor life. He has a boyfriend Tae-Kyu, who is a weird guy. He is carefree, doesn't do any work and is completely emotional and financially dependent on Young Joon. In fact, even Yong Joon will go to any lengths to protect him , fend for him and taking care of him to the extent of even taking up prostitution. Suddenly one day Jae Sung appears in their life again. His motivation is not clear but it is obvious he wants Yong Joon back in his life, who ...