Chihayafuru: Kami no Ku (2016)

I lowkey regret not having read the manga or watched the anime because this film was SO GOOD. I went into it not knowing much and never having even heard of such a game but boy- it was so, so interesting. The best aspect of the movie is the blend of modern and traditional Japanese culture in a high school setting. The game called Karuta is so amazing. I've never heard of the great hundred poems and one day after I learn Japanese properly, I'll probably sit down and read the poems.

The characters are really deep and well-developed in spite of the entire theme being them Karuta players. I love the main girl and her passion and determination for the game was really inspiring. I also loved the dynamics between her and her friends and watching them practice and bicker was very nice. The way these characters come together and decide to go the Nationals was amazing.

The romantic aspect of the film wasn't much but I enjoyed whatever they showed. When the movie gets intense, they also throw in some anime humour which saves it from being too much to handle. I think this film can serve as an inspiration for anyone regardless of what goal you are aiming for. It also shows how not just talent, but perseverance and taking care of your health while working toward your goal is equally important.

The main actress is really pretty and the main actor was also cute. I don't know any of the other side actors but they also did good jobs of their characters. Like I said, a big traditional side to the film exists and that makes it way more intriguing to watch. Like in the poster, the costume of the main girl was very beautiful to look at. So there's an aesthetic value attached to the film.

I think(?) there's a sequel to this film which is MUCH NEEDED because the ending left scope for a lot to happen. I think this has convinced me to read the manga and watch the anime because I've clearly not got enough of these characters. There's also a lot more story that can be told and I want more- so yeah.

I am super glad I didn't pass it up because that would've been such a waste. Hopefully by the time the subs come out for part 2, I'll have read the manga and I hope there will be more romance. The leads are so cute that I-can't-even...... Go watch it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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After a long time waiting for this, I finally got the chance to watch. If you are familiar with the anime or the manga, you can follow the story and will have a better eye to evaluate the movie, but if you don't know anything about the story, I highly recommend you watch least the anime right now, because IT IS SO GOOD, and you don't know wwhat you are missing all this time.
I was very satisfied with the movie overwall, Chihaya is very accurated, so as Arata and Taichi. And OMG, how not to love Taichi!!! I could feel the same passion for this actor as I felt for the character in the anime, he was my favorite this movie. He is one of the most "real" I have ever seen in a manga, because he is not perfect (this is realy hard to find in a male lead). To supporting roles are so wonderfull too! They are exactly the same as the anime, so the cast was totally very well chosen. Don't get me wrong but I hate when I watch a live action and they change a lot of the story or the cast doens't look like the original story, I know that real people are not like anime/manga, but at least make their hair and style the same.
The music is good, but I didin't end this live action looking for the OST.
I am sure I will be back for this movie whenever I feel bored, because it is very well done.
I also have to say that the moments when they are playing karuta are not boring at all, I find it really interesting how they can make a movie about a card game and make the playing parts so good (I asked myself this while watching the anime too, because I though at first I will think it was boring.) - I love the cards flying and that stuff.
So, if you guys didn't watch the movie - GO and watch it. If you already watched - GO and find the anime. You won't regret it. It is a josei story but it is REALLY good.

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