A poignant but discombobulated drama
When we see a photograph, it can take us back in time and help us to remember our childhood better.
The author tells the story of a woman who is struggling with the aftermath of a devastating car accident that has left her husband and child behind. She is haunted by memories of their time together and the love they shared, and she struggles to find a way to move on. In Love Like the Falling Petals, the author captures the feeling of dread and despair that can come after a life-changing event.
Netflix’s latest Japanese film is a tear-jerker and undoubtedly a poignant picture, but it’s also a film that feels overlong and with a discombobulated theme around caring for the elderly. The film has an interesting premise - after the death of his elderly mother, an old man (Yoshihide Sugita) begins to care for her in her final days - but it quickly becomes convoluted and difficult to follow. Despite its strengths, the film ultimately feels like it’s not worth watching.
That’s a big problem that this film has, especially when the central character is that very person it is trying to paint in a questionable light.
The film starts out strong with a tense and exciting opening scene. However, halfway through the movie there is a major tonal shift that can be difficult to follow.
But as the film progresses, it becomes clear that the two have a secret. Misaki is actually a transgender woman who has been living as a man for years, and Haruto is not sure what to do about it. He starts to feel like he’s in love with someone who is not really his own person, and he can’t seem to get her out of his head. The film ends with Haruto finally revealing his true identity to Misaki and they end up getting married.
Misaki is diagnosed with a crippling illness, and her world is instantly turned upside down. What follows from here is a film that changes from a lighthearted romcom to something far more mellow, bittersweet and heartbreaking. You really have to be in the right mood for this movie and given the two distinct tones this adopts, that’s a bit of a problem.
The film’s commentary on the burden of looking after the elderly is mixed in with a poorly fitting message about how that can affect your relationship and career. I’m not sure if that was the filmmaker’s intention, but it’s a strange message. ..
The film’s messaging is confusing and ultimately does not effectively portray the different emotions the viewer is supposed to feel. For example, it is not clear whether they are supposed to lament Misaki still hanging around or feel pity for Takashi taking on the financial burden of the family. Nor is it clear whether Takashi should be seen as an antagonist or a protagonist. This lack of clarity ultimately hampers the film’s ability to be a stronger watch. ..
The middle of this movie in particular is a great example of how Misaki’s diagnosis starts to speed up and how she becomes a recluse, hidden away behind big sunglasses and head scarves. It’s hard to really engage with her until late on in the movie, during the heart-wrenching climax. ..
Overall, Falling Petals is a well-made and visually appealing film. However, some of the shots feel a little strange and the overall feel could be improved.
I’m not sure why the filmmakers didn’t just go the route of showing this on a polaroid picture, slowly fading out to show an establishing shot of Tokyo. ..
Love Like the Falling Petals is a heart-wrenching story with some great moments between the lead couple. However, there are some slow parts that make it difficult to keep up.
It’s unfortunate that this one has such confusing messaging, as it could have been a great film. In the end, this one is likely to be regarded as fleeting as cherry blossoms in season.
The Falling Petals Ending Explained When you fall in love, the feeling is intense and powerful. You feel a deep connection to the other person and they feel the same connection to you. The two of you share a special bond that cannot be explained by words or by anything else. The Falling Petals Ending is a natural process that happens during the first few months of your relationship. The two of you are getting to know each other and developing a strong emotional connection. As the relationship progresses, things will start to change and the Falling Petals Ending will become less common. However, it is still an important part of your relationship and should be respected.
