'Yellow Tears' Review

Yellow Tears Review
Japanese: 黄色い涙 or Kiiroi Namida
Translation: Yellow Tears
Date: 14/04/07
Favourite Aspect: It's overall, message, storyline and left-of-field pure Japanese centric film production
Least Favourite Aspect: The absence of Matsumoto Jun
Rating: B (3.7/5)
As a Whole: I was actually intending to watch PINKANCHI and PINKACHI DOUBLE instead of this film, but as they weren't available online, I happened to stumble across this instead. This film is so beyond Arashi's usual professional yet happy-go-lucky flavour. From the original manga by Shinji Nagashima and directed by Isshin Inudou this film, by those who are unaccustomed with the mellow side of Japanese cinema (think Isao Akiyuki Nosata's 'Graveyard of Fireflies'), may seem a tad boring, but it provides a highly realistic perception of life and much food for thought. It was a very relaxing movie, one about what happens when you attempt to achieve your dreams and afterwards. It's not like an Arashi SONG where your dreams are being fulfilled, instead this film has quite a raw and realistic flavour. As this movie was produced by J-Storm, you would think it would be all about pimping Arashi and the plotline would be something musically based (like Mariah Carey's shocking Glitter, or whatever that film was), but I really liked this film, it was very real, and harsh but gentle. I never underestimated this film as although Arashi is like the ultimate Asian boyband, they are all certified actors especially Jun and Nino. What I disliked actually is why Matsumoto Jun, one of the biggest and most decorated actors of the group was largely absent in the film. Although, yes, I may be biased as he is my favourite, he was not even a main character - which was needless to say, disappointing. But a great movie overall and one that I would reccommend.