Kamoshirenai Joyutachi (2015)

An unexpectedly charming film about the huge potential of seemingly small life choices, and really funny to boot! I found myself laughing out loud so much throughout this SP. It takes on a decidedly comedic tone but not without whimsical little touches on friendship and fate which complete its charm. The alternate universe "what if?" story has been rehashed since the beginning of time but I've never seen it set in the supposed "real life" realm and fictionalising an actor's real history/personality. I loved this premise from the get-go and it didn't disappoint with its delivery.

The main three all have their own respective character flaws and complexes which make them all interesting and comical and engaging individual characters in their own ways. Performance-wise, these veteran actresses are fantastic and clearly very talented and household names for a reason, Takeuchi Yuko in particular *shining* during the bar scene (you'll know which when you get to it!).

The music is interesting in that it feels like just the one band in a small stage show creating all the musical sequences throughout. It works in its simplicity though - the classy jazz numbers, to the piano solos to that brilliant drum solo during the climax (that got me on the edge of my *seat*) - they feel very organic and doesn't bring the film out too far into the realm of melodrama.

The only unfortunate part is the very last closing scene. It's not particularly bad, it was just a little lacking in execution because of a rather weird creative decision on the writer's/director's part. Rewatch value is high though because I'm about to watch it again for the laughs and I would recommend it to others solely on the unique premise alone.

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