Sen Wa Boku o Kaku (2022)

Finding Solace in Art!!

Art Heals! Art liberates! That's the whole review!

The movie beautifully portrays this idea through the journey of Sousuke Aoyama. Despite suffering an incomparable loss, Aoyama finds solace and purpose in art, in this case painting.

While the story may feel familiar, the execution is done pretty well.
The movie doesn't shy away from depicting the raw and real nature of loss, whether big or small. It emphasizes that how we deal with them defines and shapes our identity.
One of the movie's most poignant messages is about individuality in artistic expression. It reminds us that being an artist doesn't mean mimicking others; our perceived flaws may be beautiful to the world.

Aoyama's journey is heart-wrenching at times yet uplifting. As an apprentice, his struggles with self-doubt are tangible and relatable. However, the moment he receives encouragement from people around him and begins painting, his smile becomes a beacon of hope. Aoyama's determination to paint every day, even when exhausted, serves as a powerful reminder that giving up isn't an option. The supporting cast also delivered remarkable performances overall adding authenticity and warmth to the overall experience.

The film beautifully exemplifies the importance of confronting emotions and persevering through misfortunes and hardship.

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It's more than art, it's life itself!

If you're worried that it's gonna be a boring art movie, then I'm here to share that it's not.

It's more than art. This movie reflects life itself. There are lots of life lessons that we can draw from this movie.

It's beautiful, inspiring and touching.

It's also very therapeutic to watch the lines being drawn and healing to feel through the emotions the ML go through.
In fact, the ending is so satisfying, especially the last scene when we get to see the ML draw his strokes!

Overall, it's a very well-hidden Jap Gem that needs more exposure!

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Beautiful and inspiring

Before wanting to start this movie, I didn't really expected something and didn't read the synopsis but the title itself intrigued me a lot.

Despite having somehow a slow pacing, I don't know how to describe it (but thinking again it was the right pace for this kind of movie lol), it still conveys a nice message and also showing some beautiful art.

As Sosuke said, I also want to know more about Sumi-e, I already know Chinese calligraphy which I sometimes practice in my own but didn't know anything about this Japanese art, Sumi-e.

It was kind of healing and heartwarming to see characters that are invested in this art and that can bring them new feels, a new version of them (I don't know if it makes sense..)

Anyway, a nice movie but maybe for not everyone, as I said it was somehow slow or maybe it lacks something so that's why I was a bit struggling to give a rating (but there's some moments later in the movie that change my mind).

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Wonderfully captured Japanese trad art film

Watched this for the first time from JFF. I'm a fan of its theme but unfortunately, it fell a bit short of my expectations knowing it's from the same prod as Chihayafuru's. The movie was good but I think it could've been executed better. Perhaps one reason was due to the postponement of its filming during the pandemic.

While I love the soundtrack and cinematography, there were times when it felt more like a music video or a Japanese SP drama. Also the direction seemed confused on developing Sosuke's character. It just felt unnatural to me. Sosuke felt more like chosen and praised out of favoritism lol. And the supporting charas just seemed to be placed there for the actors' exposure (though I must say I love Yuumi haha).

Personally, it's Kaya who really shined through this film. She perfectly encapsulated Chiaki's aura. Ryusei did great in the opening scene but in other parts, it was okay-ish. Having read the manga, he interpreted Sosuke's chara differently. I think he could've performed better but maybe the writing/screenplay is also partly to blame. Expect preachy lines too.

Nonetheless, the pacing was good and my favorite scene (spoiler) was Nishihama's sumi-e. It was just beautifully drawn and I love his art. I'd say I liked it better than Kozan's lol

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