Don't Believe the Hype

Better Late Then Never

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

This is an astonishing documentary that will wring your heart while it bends your mind

Everyone can find laughs and enjoyment in this movie, an unpredictable twist on a familiar theme. The lead actors are completely charming and natural, making their somewhat pitiful characters attractive and endearing. One truly hilarious episode deals with an explosion, showing a chain-of-events that is logical, comical and a bit frightening.Even the secondary characters shine in their roles, and the movie allows them time to bring their characters to life. The strict head nurse from the hospital explores her dark side while the nastiest gangster is humbled by medical procedures and a limited capacity.Sure there are some cliches, like the mousey nurse transforming into a stylish vixen, and the inept thugs who don't have a clue, or the strategically placed pickup truck that leaves at precisely the right moment. But it's all done with enough good nature and energy that makes it more than worthwhile.

This film, while taking a rather sappy romantic story line (via circumstance, two passive losers find fire in their lives as a couple) and mixing it with a stale action 'hook' (innocents get mob money; mob pursues), produces a thoroughly enjoyable comedy that will appeal to almost everyone.Although there is very little adrenaline on display, except for the delightfully silly 'keystone kop' young Yakuza gang, everything clicks. Casting is dead on. There is a great diversity in the characters and each actor nails their part. The featured couple have a special magic charm going from mousy to wickedly clever. The 'old bag' head nurse is hilarious when interacting with the equally tough mobster, and the aforementioned gang of toughs throw a chaotic slapstick into the mix.Highly recommended to anyone who doesn't mind subtitled films.

I saw this film in the Japanese Film Festival, here in Melbourne. I found it to be a very entertaining story of two people who are thrown together after a Yakuza den explodes. It was a love story, with comedy thrown in. I thought it was great, and well acted. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to see a light hearted love story.

Don't let the name fool you: this is a romantic comedy with some yakuza added for spice. Still, it's quite charming. Masanobu Ando is particularly engaging when he is trying to deal with his girlfriend's suddenly acquired sassiness. The mob subplot provides relief from the utterly formulaic but nonetheless endearing romantic crap. It's also extremely funny in spots. A good date movie for those of us who have semi-adventuresome dates to take to movies.