Qing Chun 18×2 Tong Wang You Ni De Lü Cheng
2024 / 123m - Japan
Romance
4.0*/5.0*
18×2 Beyond Youthful Days poster

Plot: After finishing high school, Jimmy finds himself in a lull. He takes on a job in a nearby karaoke bar to pass the time, but it's not what he expected. Things change when Ami turns up out of nowhere. She's a Japanese traveler who lost her wallet and she's looking for a place to stay. The bar's owner is nice enough to let her a room, and Jimmy is asked to show her around, as he's the only employee who speaks a bit of Japanese. Jimmy takes a fancy to Ami right away, while she keeps a bit more distance. The two get along extremely well though, and as time passes they grow closer.

Watches

January 05, 2025

4.0*/5.0*

Fujii continues his winning streak, this time paying homage to Japanese/Taiwanese romance cinema, tipping its hat to films like Love Letter and Three Times along the way. The premise is endearing, the performances are strong and Fujii's direction is spot on. There are some lovely moments here, fans of Asian cinema get a few extra treats and the conclusion is fitting. The film goes on just a little too long, but apart from that I thoroughly enjoyed it.