Hello, everyone! As the title suggests, I want to discuss Japanese x Taiwanese movie that released this year, 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days.
Theatrical Poster
Also Known As: Sei Shun 18×2 Kimi e to Tsudzuku Michi, Qing Chun 18×2 Er Tong Wang You Ni De Lu Cheng
Native Title: 青春18×2 君へと続く道
Screenwriter & Director: Michihito Fujii
Genres: Romance, Life, Youth, Drama
Release Date: March 14th, 2024
Duration: 2 hours and 3 minutes
Casts: Greg Hsu, Kaya Kiyohara, Shunsuke Michieda and others.
This dual timeline movie tells a 36-year-old Jimmy (Greg Hsu), as he goes back to his hometown in Tainan, after an incident that ruins his career. There, he finds photos of his friend group from his past, when he was 18 years old. That was the time when he met his first love, a Japanese woman named Ami (Kaya Kiyohara). Jimmy, without any planning, decides to travel to Japan.
Greg Hsu as Jimmy
Kaya Kiyohara as Ami
Another movie that breaks my heart, but in the best ways possible. This movie is one of the movies I highly anticipated, especially since the casts were announced. And, it doesn't disappoint!
We follow Jimmy's journey, and the present and the past timeline will be revealed alternately.
18-year-old Jimmy met Ami in a karaoke place in Tainan where Jimmy did his part time job as he was waiting for university entrance announcement. Ami was traveling alone from Japan and she had lost her wallet, so she hoped that she could get a job there since the owner of the place was a Japanese man. From there, their story continued.
This movie presents more than just a romance; it has so much depth to it that makes you think about your whole decisions in this life (well, at least, this movie has done that to me). This movie discusses dreams and the fear we face of our ignorance of this world; of the uncertainty of the future.
"Jimmy, I wonder what it will be like when we get older." -Ami
I once heard someone say, "At some point in your life, you will meet someone who will change your life. And your life will never be the same after that." That's what happened to Jimmy. He met Ami and he has met that person. His life is never be the same after he met her. Their experiences from that summer has shaped Jimmy and Ami's true personality.
We also learn about to not to run away from the things that hurt us. Instead, we must be brave and strong to face it. Because eventually, the pain will pass. We might not forget, but we will get used to it, and perhaps, we will forgive.
The characters' developments can be seen clearly. Jimmy's journey to Japan means a lot to him as he reflects on his life and grows as a person.
"The people we meet on our journey leave an impression on our hearts. Did I leave an impression on Ami's heart?" -Jimmy
The casts must be praised. The acting is authentic and the casts really leave a great impression. Moreover, the chemistry between them feel amazing, especially between Greg and Kaya. I really love Kaya Kiyohara. I see her in a movie, I will watch it. I'm slowly getting to know Greg Hsu, but I love him already. The age gap between them is not visible and is not even a problem. Kaya and Greg's acting is so wonderful and the emotions that they deliver... Just watch this movie guys, please trust me. You won't regret it.
Also, if you had a chance to watch this movie in your local cinema, please, do it. The cinematography in this one is very breathtaking. There are two particular scenes that i love so much: 1) when Jimmy meets a young man named Koji (Shunsuke Michieda) in Japan, and when they arrive at Tadami, Fukushima (Ami's hometown). This scene shows a very captivating scenery of Amy's hometown that is covered by the snow; 2) when Ami and Jimmy traveled through the town in Tainan. This enchanting city lights and the beauty of the town are really mesmerizing. I love how I get to learn a little bit of both of the culture from Japan and Taiwan.
Beautiful city lights in Tainan
Tadami, Fukushima, Ami's hometown
Shunji Iwai's Love Letter is also mentioned in this movie. I also heard that Love Letter is popular in Taiwan. And when it is included as one of important thing in this movie? I'm sold. I love Love Letter. Somehow, 18x2 Beyond Youthful Days and Love Letter leave the similar poignant impression on me.
And the music! It is very pleasant to listen to and very suitable to the scene that is shown. If you guys know the titles of the background music, please let me know in the comments🙌🏻😁
Overall, I have nothing I dislike about this movie. From the directing, the writing, the cinematography, all is perfect. This one is easily 5⭐️ movie for me. I highly recommend you to watch this, especially in cinema. But, please prepare tissues with you when you're watching this movie. I watched at midnight, and bawled my eyes out.
Also, please recommend me some movies or series of Greg Hsu because I can't get enough of his acting, he is so good. See you guys next time!💗
Ah, I almost forget. There is a tweet on X that says a trivia about this movie. The Japanese title is Sei Shun 18×2 Kimi e to Tsudzuku Michi and this might be derived from a seasonal ticket called Seishun 18 Kippu/ticket, which is a popular ticket among students because it can be used to travel around Japan, since it can be accessed on local trains, buses, and ferries. And they usually use this ticket during the summer and spring vacation seasons. What a cool trivia!
Seishun 18 Kippu: Japan's nationwide train ticket
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