Zíza

After maybe seven? Years I watched it again and still enjoyed it, I can see why it gripped me so much at the time. I don't understand combat tactics or military science, so nothing there distracted me unnecessarily... The movie has what for me is the perfect balance of friendship, combat, emotion, and fun. The acting didn't bother me (except for Eikura Nana's occasional stiffness, I think she's better at drama than action stuff, that's why she was so great at talking rather than shooting and punching), Okada is great, he keeps both the acting and the "action" components of his performance at a high level. The idea is good, interestingly executed, the script is good quality, Sato Shinsuke is still finding his feet a bit as a director in the action genre, but he hangs in there. It's not the best film of its genre, I just like it despite all the flaws. I'm not going to change the rating out of nostalgia, let's keep it at a low 5 stars.

I like these stories, so I thought I would like this series. I just didn't realize I would like it this much! A beautiful story unhindered by unnecessary backstabbing and love polygons, graced with quality cinematography and soundtrack. It always got me when Grandpa tried, when he did ballet, when his family discouraged him from it even though he was happy. Although old age is sad in its own way, because you can't do as much anymore and life is over, it does have its beautiful moments and this series "captured" them and dosed them out to the viewer without pushing the envelope too much. What’s more, the old age was presented here as the antithesis of youth, which is violent, passionate, stupid, but strong. The old man and the young man had such great chemistry, they complemented each other perfectly, and each pursued his own goal, but both wanted the same thing in the end – to shine. For me, this series shined. Thank God for 12-episode TV shows. If it had more episodes, it wouldn't have been as good. We got just enough of everything: dreams, family (both the old man and the young man), and ballet. I liked it.

It's a bit of a shame to watch this without knowing the series it was based on, but even without that you can get the hang of it. If I were rude I'd write that it was a total dud, but since I'm not, I'd say it was a total blast! From start to finish. It's like a super great episode. We're even greeted with the old familiar opening at the beginning and then we get a brand new ending at the end. Again, it's crazy, it's over-the-top, it's ridiculous. Anyone who doesn't like this kind of humor won't enjoy it. Those who don't mind the film won't be bored, but those who love this brand of humor will sit on their asses and only go to the bathroom during the film if they’re at risk of bursting a bladder. It was a rollercoaster ride. Kaku Kento once again showed his talent as a comedian-actor. The others were really only second to him. Another big plus was the details – just look at all the extras, the shrubbery, the mess in the rooms. It was all period, real and as interesting or funny as the film itself. And to top it off, we get the final battle as the sweet icing on the cake. Well shot, dynamic, and even though it might focus on the two main characters fighting, the battles around them still make sense, those guys aren't just slapping each other around. I guess it's clear that the film made me terribly happy and fit my mood completely. I'm glad I waited for that moment. A divine bit of nonsense.

Sometimes Kudō Kankurō can pleasantly surprise me so well. Maybe in this case he pulled it off perfectly. I got an incredibly fine show full of great acting and, most importantly, incredibly interesting characters. The acting, as always in Kudō's works, was dominated by Nagase Tomoya – a great guy, a great actor, and Ore no ie no hanashi was a wonderful tribute to his work. Who would have guessed that a story where the main character does both wrestling and noh would entertain me so much, and get me so much in the end. Neither the wrestling nor the noh do anything for me, in fact I found it pretty boring, but I totally didn't care because I got an interesting, warm, and funny show. Kudō did very well with the multitude of characters, not one was left flat, but each had one characteristic that stood out. For me, we were taken through the family travails of a traditional family in an engaging way. Ruggedly beautiful – that's what I would call it. I had a similar feeling with Kazoku no katachi; where this series wins in wit, Kazoku no katachi is again more sweetly sedate. Yes, the series has some flaws, but I forgot them all within two days of watching it and now I just fondly remember all the people, the hilarious story, the quirky characters, the bag washing, the realism combined with the absurd in a perfect combination – just the way Kudō does it. I will definitely come back to them again.

I love the way this writer can hit the mark. Almost as if by accident, her characters directly and indirectly criticize the setting of society. At the same time, it doesn't go into some drama, it's just the characters going through their lives and the environment affecting them at various stages. Anyway, for me, a cool sequel to NigeHaji that also reflected the craziness of 2020 in its second half. It was even more of a closer theme for me, having lived through something similar myself. In some ways worse, in some ways better. So for me it was highly personal to watch, truthful, and I could totally relate to everyone. Not to mention that COVID, a thing that affected all of our lives, starts in the second part and isn't presented in a particularly draconian way in the special. No madness. Just sort of an intervention in ordinary life. I found the subject matter very sensitively presented. Just like that; for me it was almost like I was partly watching my own experiences, so I'm adding an extra star; if I were to rate it "objectively" it would be a 4. After all, it's still a good Nogi Akiko, a quality cast, fitting music, and a story that has an idea.

I've read that it's not the same when he's chasing some strange girl. After watching it, I'm like, "Excuse me?" It’s the same. The girl isn't a stranger, they're heroes, no one is a stranger to them, everyone is worth saving, and that's exactly what this series shows. Among other things. Dark times are looming, and somehow society has to deal with it. That's what it's about, too, and that hesitation ends in flames. The last two episodes were just Shōnen-esque yumminess. We got a hyped up start that continued with all the consequences into the second half and it was still a good show, even if it slowed down. Except for the part where they played kindergarten, it was a very above average anime and as I’ve already written, it ended great. The last two episodes knew how to nail you to your chair with their intensity. Who would have expected that. Sure, the previous series was a bit better; this one unfolded nicely too, whether we're talking about the school festival or Gentle Criminal (again, a different type of fight, and it's good that it was there because it helps Midori grow). My Hero Academia is still my favorite current Shōnen, and this series merely reinforces that. It's got it all, yet again – hope, battles, suspense, poignancy, and amusement in a hilarious mix. Not to mention that all the characters are getting us somewhere, we're always learning something new about them, and even the enemy doesn't sleep; whether it’s the bad guys or the general fear or uncertainty. A very strong 4 stars.

I liked the way it was filmed, acted, voiced, performed. I don't care that it's a movie about Catholic bigwigs. Overall, I don't even think the film had aspirations to be a faithful historical reproduction. I think it wanted to show two gentlemen getting on in years and becoming friends, even though they root for different teams. The fact that they both tried out for the papal chair is simply taking advantage of the alluring setting. An enjoyable film, it flows very nicely; the two hours passed like a breeze. I just walked away satisfied, absolutely not wanting to think about everything the Pope symbolizes, how much that circus costs to maintain, what all he's covered up. For me, it's a nice film with no critical overlap.

For the first time in a long time – if ever – I was very sorry that a Korean series didn't have more episodes. Here, I could have easily put up with another episode or two because the characters were well written. On the other hand, it ends at a great moment, so it's possible that I wouldn't rate it as positively in future episodes. Still, I already miss them. They were gentle fun, proper suffering and drama, and interesting conversations. It's not quite the kind of show that will nail you to your chair and you just have to watch the whole thing in one sitting, but more the kind of show that you'll be happy to come back to the next day for another episode. You just enjoy it. Everyone at the beginning thought it would be similar to Something in the Rain, which starred Jung Hae-in. But other than criticizing society and its structure, it has nothing in common. One Spring Night is much better. The protagonists here are in a completely different position, have completely different characters, seem more real and mature, and care about different things. It's a rather daring series that shows the correctness of some decisions, even though they seem like something scandalous, wrong, or unacceptable in an ossified Confucian society. Plus, everything is sensitively accompanied, so the music just naturally helps you to the right emotions that any given scene is supposed to create. Really, after so long, a great series. The chemistry between the characters, the portrayal of the bond between sisters, parents and children, friends (in one family or another), the development of all the characters (if a character tried, they got somewhere; if they were a jerk, they stayed a jerk). It just rises and falls with well-written characters. They're people, and it really feels like a peek into someone's life. I'm not saying the show doesn't have flaws, but I've forgotten them; and if I had to focus and come up with just one, it would be that they completely forgot about basketball... I enjoyed it, I lived through it with them and came away really satisfied and amused (the scene in the last episode where he kneels and apologizes is epic; the whole situation made me laugh out loud). Simply put: I recommend it if you're not looking for a cheesy over-the-top romance. On Netflix with Czech subtitles.

The suspense and action are interspersed with funny or touching moments at such a great pace that your heart just has to pound, you have to root for them and you have to live it. I guess it can't be helped, but the second season of Haikyu!! was for me the best sports anime in the last eight years...? I really enjoyed it. Aside from avoiding the cliché of nonsensical leveling up beyond human strength, but keeping the development of the characters and their volleyball skills believable within human strength, I was so excited that the team here doesn't rely on one character, that it doesn't wait for some intervention from above, but all the points and wins are earned because the characters worked hard, wanted to get better, helped each other do so, and worked well together. It wasn't based on one character, it was based on everything and I'm glad no one was completely overlooked. Add to the great sports action some funny moments, great chemistry between the characters, and a soundtrack that fit it like a butt on a pot, and you have the second series of Haikyu!!. If you enjoy sports anime, definitely don't skip this one. If you like enthusiastic guys who put their whole soul into an activity, don't skip it. If you want to have a good time, don't skip it. The time spent on this anime is definitely worth it.

What can I tell you, I got incredibly hooked during the first episode; it's just great! The plot, the excellent acting – Suda Masaki excels, not to mention the whole class of students, where no one is dead weight, everyone has a say, no one is ignored, as is usually the case with high school series where we get to know like three or four people from the class and that's it. Everyone has a role, motivation, gifts, and weaknesses. Apart from the students, the series also familiarizes the viewer with the police officers and other characters more than adequately. I'm not saying it’s a deep introduction, but each character gets just enough space for us, the audience, to understand their motivation for the actions they take. Mutō Shōgo really exceeded my expectations because he hasn't really written anything complex, basically it's a theme that quite a few series or movies are turning to these days, yet he puts a hilarious spin on it and the whole time drops hints, clues as to what's really going on and what it will all turn into. Certainly don't expect a whopping climax where the head of the American criminal organization is revealed... not at all, it's much more down to earth and human. And yet it actually manages to be that much more impactful. Basically, Mutō is speaking to us through Hiiragi in the last episode, when he says he hopes it will resonate with someone, at least one other person. He himself doesn't believe it will appeal to everyone, but he does believe it will at least reach someone. And I can easily say that this show got me. Not so much in its message, but in the way it's crafted, the soundtrack, and most importantly, the performances. You want an unusual high school drama? Go for it, because here a new generation of actors is being taught by a contemporary star and he does it brilliantly. I enjoyed it and I was looking forward to the next episode every week, to the twists and the suspense. For the first time in a long time, a series that entertained me from beginning to end; I liked how it was done and I want to watch it again right away. My number one for 2019.