| « The hidden blade | The Returner » |
Crying out love in the centre of the world 在世界中心呼喚愛
Unfortunately, she had leukemia exactly the disease as Sakutaro described in his letter to the radio program Middle Wave. He blamed himself for writing the letter to the radio program and he wrote another letter to the program to say that the classmate miraculously recovered from the disease, but in the real world, Aki never did.
A little girl called Ristuko (she becomes Sakutrao;s fiancee 17 years later) visited her mum in the hospital everyday and she was helping Aki to pass her tapes to Sakutaro.
Aki and Sakutaro decided to visit the holy place in Australia and they went to take passport photos at the old man's photo shop. Aki saw the many wedding photos that the old man took for people and she liked the photos very much and she said she was afraid that she would be forgotten one day. The old man returned a favour (Aki and Sakutaro helped him to get the teacher's ashes) by taking a wedding photo for them, Aki looked really beautiful and Sakutaro was stuned by the beauty of Aki and he looked nervous.
Upon their return to the hospital Aki learned that one of the other patients in the hospital died of the same disease that she has. She hold on to Sakutaro tight and said she was afraid that she was going to die soon and very suddenly.
The treatment had made her lost all her hair and she needed to be isolated in germ-free room. Sakutaro came to see her and brought a marriage application, she was really touched and they kissed on the window from the 2 sides of the room.
3 comments
Replied by Doris. My rating:5
My review:
Well, I like this movie, but it’s not on ‘my favourite’ list.
It’s a good piece of work which contains most of those important elements - good story, acting, cinematography, music & even the chinese name of this movie has added some credits.
However, I don’t like 2 minor points. One is the story line between Sakutaro & his fiancee Ritsuko. It’s not meaningful to the core bitter-sweet love story between young Sakutaro & Aki, which is most touching for the audiences.
I was not shocked in knowing that Ritsuko was the little girl who always passed Sakutaro the cassette tape. However, Sakutaro seems has no reaction in knowing that too, & knowing even her leg was permanently damaged by the tragic accident during delivery.
Another scene which I don’t like is the ending. Don’t you think Sakutaro & Ritsuko should find out the place of that photo first before letting go of Aki’s ash? It’s Aki’s last wish to be free in “the centre of the world". I suppose they’re on the way there, they got off the car just due to car problem but then got the ‘ceremony’ done quickly. Am I right?
Anyway, it’s a good movie although I didn’t cry.
When one’s lover has been died, how the one being left should do? To survive sadly or to cherish that ‘being loved until the day he/she died.? I’m not fan of Titanic, but I really like Rose who could still live it real without Jack, & she’s never forgot what Jack had ever said until she died.
Replied by irene. My rating:5
My review:
Sorry, I haven’t seen this movie and I put 5 because I find the story good and trust my friend’s comments. Just to respond to Doris last point of death, what we can do it to cherish and try to live well by ourselves. It’s hard to imagine without trying it by ourselves. But there must be some happy elements missing.
Replied by Lillian. My rating:5
My review:
The movie is so great. I cried several times when I saw it. It was so touching and I like it very much. Thank you for your recommendation.
I also like the scene Aki playing piano in the hall. The music is wonderful. Sakutaro phoned his friends and cried; he said how could he forget Aki. I can feel the strong affection. I was deeply touched by the airport scene. Aki and Sakutaro planned to go to Australia but their flight was canceled because of typhoon. Sakutaro held Aki in his arms and cried:? Please save her!? I suddenly felt myself so lucky and I should treasure my love, cherish the day sharing with my lover. Hope all the lovers can live a happy life together.
I recommend this movie to all of my friends. It is a good movie worthwhile to appreciate.