I loved this movie. 100%. I hadn't read the manga before jumping in but since I had no idea about any of the characters it didn't really matter. This movie was beautiful in pretty much every aspect.

I loved the casting choices made by the director. He brought Yoshioka and Mabuchi to life in a way that made me seriously want their actors in real life to get married. They fit their characters impeccably and even the supporting cast was chosen really well. I had no trouble believing that they were actual friends. The plot of the movie was also good, with the movie taking time to carefully drop hints of what was to come. The pacing was fine, a bit lacking at the start before speeding up. The overall acting was great across the entire cast so kudos to the director.

The romance was developed between the two mains in a way that mostly felt organic and natural. I really rooted for the chemistry between them and I am satisfied with how the movie choose to end. I do wish the movie had addressed the secondary character romance between Murao and Kominato but that is really just a personal preference.

The soundtrack was moving ( to me at least ) and well-timed in the movie. As a movie adapted from a manga, I have to say that this felt like it paid respect to the source material ( I read the manga after watching the movie ) even if it didn't follow it exactly, which I didn't mind.

I also didn't mind the cliches the movie used like the school festival and school trip. Instead, I think they were useful element to drive the movie forward. The cliche of the " friend group coming together as a whole after conflict " was executed in such a natural way that I can't hate the movie for using it. It was a testament to lasting relationships that are so very valuable and sought after in today's world and the connections made by these very different people was wonderful to watch unfold. One of the best friend group portrayals in Japanese rom com movies.

SPOILERS AHEAD. READ AFTER WATCHING THE MOVIE.

I really admire the movie for choosing to be sombre and realistic towards the end when tackling the issue of death and moving on from it. When Mabuchi's perspective is changed when hie finds out his mother actually prayed for him rather than for herself, I found that extremely touching ( to the point of actual tears ) and it was one of the most beautiful moments in the movie.

Lesson of the movie: Grief is a natural process that everyone goes through when someone has passed on. However, like in the movie when Mabuchi chooses to fixate on it, that is when it has been taken too far. So, the lessons is to know that you are not alone when you have dark thoughts and are in a dark place mentally. It's a simple but powerful phrase: " You are not alone " and it shines in this movie. There is hope and there is a reason to live, tp continue to live a life that honours the person that has passed.

Conclusion: This was simply a well-constructed movie that delivered on romance and genuine emotional impact. Its faults are few in light of what it does well.

9.5/ 10 - Definitely recommend