Unless if the story is completely changed. In this case, it wasn't. Fortunately, they kept the story and retained its value.
As for the the actual filmography, it is good. They picked the perfect settings and style. The music is great, as it is in the book, but obviously appreciated better in the film. Really good music. Bit iffy on the scene changes but that's barely anything.
No complaints with the cast either. Their acting is well-done and gave justice to the characters, especially the main ones. The 1960's setting did not get in their way at all. I did kind of imagined Reiko differently though, and Storm Trooper was not given much attention. But that's okay. I was also a bit uncomfortable with Watanabe in the film at first. I felt that he was different but now I don't think so. Kenichi Matsuyama's neutral expressions were perfectly splendid. Rinko's acting also made me realize how much more heavy Naoko's life was.
There are scenes that I thought should've been done differently but that does not make this film a failure at any cost. This is how the director imagined the novel and I am happily content with it. I'd recommend the novel not because I think it's better but because it shows much more than 2 hours can give.
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Stories about people with incapabilities or a tragedy usually is a tricky one when you review it. People usually look forward to excitement and suspense. You can't simply just say the tragedy is a let-down because that makes you feel horrible for seeming to be bored out of someone's misery. In this case, the story isn't boring at all but I honestly can say it's not a great one as well. Maybe because I don't know exactly what how it feels to have narcolepsy or the likes. But I feel happy that I get to know the story of the people who do.
At the end though, it wasn't really about the narcolepsy. It was about experiences that all of us have gone and will be through. Limitations, self-respect, and faith in general. Going through something so unexpected; not knowing when it will hit again and how to cure it.
The acting was good. It was nice seeing new faces and not expecting too much from them. I also love the ideas that they showed through photography and arts. I wish they would've put some good music in it though but I wish that in any movie. Anyway, it's a nice movie altogether. Not as simple as you'd think but not so heavy either.
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