Let me start by saying that I really like this film. Since I haven't read the novel, I went in not expecting anything in particular and ending up getting blown away by how real it is.

The premise is simple, it's laid out right at the start of the film. It got you thinking down this one train of thought, and just when you're getting sold to this idea, the film neatly drops a plot twist on your lap. What's interesting is how it was revealed, it jumps out at you and will make you want to pause and rewind back to the start to scour the hints on the scenes with a more critical eye.

We have the characters - Kaede and Akiyoshi - two people who met in one of their classes in college. Akiyoshi, the idealist, finds a friend and colleague in Kaede, the guy who just wants to disappear into the background. Understandably, it wasn't a friends-at-first-sight thing, but as the movie progressed, you'll see how they created something beautiful as they built Moai.

However, human nature is just as ugly as it is beautiful, and that's exactly what Aokute, Itakute, Moroi (or KuteKute) showed. The themes of friendship, betrayal, revenge, and selfishness are portrayed in such an honest and real way that I can't help but pause a few times during the movie because it tugged at the emotions and memories I've hid away at the back of my mind. The idealism vs. realism themes are also drawn out well between the two characters, building up as the movie progressed.

SugiHana and Ryo's acting shone through in this movie - especially Ryo, since we see it from his POV - as they portrayed Akiyoshi and Kaede's journey. The one scene I loved watching over and over is the climax scene - and it is something you need to watch for yourself.

KuteKute is not for everyone, as some may find it boring or hollow or even silly (especially because of Akiyoshi's idealism), but the movie will definitely reach those who were once a Kaede or an Akiyoshi (or both) in their lives.

Aokute, Itakute, Moroi.
Blue, Painful, Brittle.
Raw, Humane, Poignant.