WOW - This movie is awesome ... a 10/10 for me, I loved it but think it perhaps may not be for everyone. It is so loaded and 'raw'.

The movie was truely beautiful to watch ... so many cinematographic view points, which, to me, were very symbolic and seemed to reflect all the different states of mind of the main characters at any given time ... the shots looking up from below ... shots looking down from on high ... shots in and of 'enclosed' and confining spaces ... views of characters taken from a distance and usually with some kind of barrier between the view and the observed ... the staircase ... all the walkways and bridges to get from one place to another ... very symbolic.

It was also beautiful to listen to. I loved hearing the serene sounds of Pachabel and twinkle twinkle litte star gently weave its way through all the turbulence and intensity of emotions ... from the loud cruel words to the soft venomous betrayals ... the declarations of 'love' ... that fascinating empty clang of racing up and down those metal steps and walkways. The music kept me 'grounded' while watching all the trauma ... it's quite serenity was a fascinating auditory contrast to the sounds of the harsh reality that is life ... it left me feeling like I was embraced by it, as if in the end, everything would be ok, we would get through this and find knowledge and acceptance of self and peace of mind ... or something.

As for the story line, there is a persistent cruelty that runs throughout the movie. The FL, Narita, is at the focus of it. In her naivety, she is constantly being 'broken up' by Azusa; Ryoki and Shinogu ... she picks her self up, changes tact, 'rebuilds' her internal resilience and identity ... and then gets smashed again ... dusts herself off, 'rebuilds' then repeat. It is painful to watch, particularly when you see parts of yourself in that process. It is interesting to see how Narita's reaction to this persistent and ongoing cruelty, in turn affects those who have been using her ... as they too are 'broken down and built up'. Each character in the movie, even the side characters, are all going through an evolutionary process. It is so fascinating to watch the dynamics of that, even though there were some smh and wtf is going on moments.

The actors did an awesome job with their roles, they were just brilliant. This is the second time I have watched this movie and this time around I got even more out of the experience. I will definitely watch it again (for the third time) but I will read the manga first as I am sure that my third viewing will be even more thought provoking and visually and auditorily satisfying.