The theme song of the two films is "FLASH" by the Japanese group Perfume. The film was shot at the Omi Shrine in Shiga Prefecture.
I commend how it highlighted the sport, but I think it failed to fully explore the romantic side of the story. I guess this is my biggest complaint about the two live-action adaptation. “How could Chihaya chose Arata when Taishi is with her all the time, especially during her most difficult times?” asked a Taishi fan. People are already falling in love with Taishi to the detriment of Arata.
The first movie has already established the fact that Taishi is desperately in love with Chihaya and that the girl is completely oblivious to Taishi’s romantic feelings. Part 3 is about the Arata-Taishi rivalry. Part 1 of this report is all about the main characters (Chihaya, Taishi, and Arata), while Part 2 focuses on reigning Karuta queen and more characters. PsychoDrama’s Live Action Report on Chihayafuru Not to be out-act, Nomura has shown through his relatively young acting career that he is one of Japan’s most talented, and he continues to do so. His rivalry with Taishi (played effortlessly by Shuhei Nomura) is essential to move the story forward. He has plenty of acting highlights in the second movie, and he exploited them to the fullest. As Arata, I find his performance to be both emotional and stirring. His father is Sonny Chiba, one of Japan’s most prominent actors. The rivalry between Arata and Taishi is as intense and as personal as that of Chihaya and Shinobu – which brings me to Mackenyu and Shuhei Nomura.Īcting and performing are in the blood of Mackenyu, as he belongs to Japan’s acting royalty. While the manga is about the thrilling rivalries and competition involving the sport, it is also about young romantic love. Oh, and yes, how she gushed when she saw Chihaya’s Daddy Bear shirt and towel is just priceless!
Her facial expressions can show a full range of emotions and her encounters with Arata are some of the highlights of the second movie. Her commanding voice can be malicious, aggressive or tender as she likes it.
While I cannot say for certain if Matsuoka has already established an acting style for herself, I know she has what it takes to step up her acting to the next level. If anything, playing Shinobu Wakamiya is the real challenge which Mayu Matsuoka took upon herself.
However, for me, I think Suzu rose to the occasion and played a credible Chihaya. Most of the argument is all about Hirose’s lack of “personal vibes” to play a credible Chihaya since the character is a ” tomboyish, outgoing and ambitious” girl and that Hirose may not be able to project herself like that. There were some issues raised about the casting of Suzu Hirose playing the main character. The movie also introduced another major character – the current karuta queen and Chihaya’s thrilling encounter with the queen as they play karuta rivals. It also involves their personal issues about love, friendship, family, death and loss, loyalty and rivalry. Joining Chihaya is her long-time friend Taishi, and together with Arata, they formed a bond of deep friendship strengthened by the passion for the sport.Ĭhihayafuru Shimo no Ku (Part 2) – is the Second installment of the live action featuring the struggles of Chihaya and her friends to play competitive karuta. If you’ve watched both live-action Chihayafuru movies, then you know there is another film (or two) coming up.I mean, there’s so much still to be told! But before I get ahead of myself, let’s have a review.Ĭhihayafuru Kami no Ku (Part 1) – is the First installment of the live action based on the manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Suetsugu. It is about a school girl, Chihaya Ayase, who is inspired by a new classmate – Arata – to take up Hyakunin Isshu karuta competitively.