Blue (Japan, 2002)

An introverted schoolgirl falls in love and starts a relationship with one of her classmates. Set in a small seaside town in Japan, the love of her life eventually leaves her for her boyfriend in Tokyo.

Another great drama film which relies on the acting abilities of fairly young people, and we see the blossoming of their love lives. The dialogue is delivered very thoughtfully and measured, making it much more realistic and emotional at times. You get the feeling there's a ton of weight behind the words, and the director did a great job at also bringing out the characters even when silent. Blue reminded me of another fantastic film dealing with same sex relationships; Like Grains of Sand (1995).

Genre: Drama/Romance. 1h 56min.

Blue (Japan, 2021)

Nobuto is a boxer who is not going to be a champion anytime soon. He works hard, trains, attends consistently and yet ends up amassing losses. In the same gym and training with Nobuto is Kazuki. The latter man looks destined for success. Moreover, he is engaged to Chika who was crushed on by Nobuto when they were children.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film centered around a couple of friends going through tough times together and seeing  their relationship twist and turn. A slight love triangle develops but remarkably doesn't make the film into some romantic sap-fest. It's just there and we're invested in the characters, played by actors who've become big stars in recent years. Ken'ichi Matsuyama (Norwegian Wood, Death Note) was a highlight for me as a likeable but interestingly flawed character in that he's lifted up as an authority figure in the gym but in reality he's quite timid and leaves a lot to be wished for in the boxing department. 

A film that doesn't try to overdo it with hidden meanings and life lessons, but portrays 3-4 characters small personal journeys. 

Genre: Drama/Sport. 1h 47min.