Insomniacs After School (2023)

A great concept for a romance.

Protagonists:
The main characters in Insomnia bring a familiar yet engaging dynamic to the story. Ganta, the introverted and overly self-critical protagonist, struggles with a deep sense of inadequacy and learned helplessness. In contrast, Isaki, his partner, is a lively, energetic, and carefree spirit who thrives on optimism and activity. Despite their stark differences, they share a common battle with insomnia, which leads them to join the astronomy club. Their relationship flourishes through an unusual connection—they make each other feel relaxed enough to doze off, a paradoxical and endearing trait that strengthens their bond. Ganta finds solace in Isaki’s vibrant personality, while she admires his dependable nature.

Secondary Characters:
The supporting cast offers a refreshing departure from stereotypes. Tao, with his level-headed maturity, and Yui, the quirky, tech-savvy geek, bring balance and variety to the narrative. These well-rounded characters add dimension to the story and make it more enjoyable by breaking away from predictable tropes.

Storyline:
The plot of Insomnia is somewhat uneven at first. It feels as though the writer struggles to decide on the tone and direction, leading to a blend of different styles. The story oscillates between calm, reflective Seinen moments, overly dramatic shojo-like declarations, and highly detailed geeky explorations of astronomy and photography. This inconsistency may make it challenging for some viewers to connect fully. At times, the narrative is rich with introspection and meaningful exchanges, while at others, it meanders, feeling repetitive and hollow.

Conclusion:
In the latter half, the story settles into a steady rhythm as a thoughtful Seinen slice-of-life romance. The narrative focuses on Ganta’s personal growth, his evolving relationship with Isaki, and their shared passion for stargazing. The ending is particularly satisfying, as Ganta takes a decisive stand for the first time, prioritizing Isaki over his usual adherence to rules and expectations. This rebellion marks a significant turning point for his character and adds emotional weight to the story’s conclusion.

Despite its shaky start, Insomnia evolves into a heartfelt and contemplative tale of love, self-discovery, and the simple joys of life. Its charming characters, meaningful growth arcs, and touching moments make it a worthwhile experience.

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Great acting + average writing = good movie

The acting carried this movie. The writing started out good. It felt like the story was slow in the beginning but it gained momentum. I'm really not trying to spoil anything. Let's just say the ending left a lot to be desired.

The FL was given the most detail and it showed, enjoyed her acting and story.....except her ending. She breathes life into the ML and they end up being each others safe space or get away. The ML they tell his story late and it's only in a brief argument. They could've written it better and given us details throughout the movie but the writers missed.

There's a teacher and a senior that help the ML & FL. These 2 are important and great additions to the story. Unfortunately we don't get much backstory on them, maybe this could've been a series. I would recommend this as a time filler, there are a couple extremely cute moments and some heartwarming scenes. 8/10

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