BL Movie Review #1-Junjou Pure Heart

After my long while of trying to find some age appropriate Yaoi anime (which never worked out unless it was shonen-ai), I once again stumbled across that weird part of YouTube. Fortunately though, this accidental find put me into an awkward-in-a-good-way mood and thus ignited a new flame of obsession for BL films.

Name: Junjou Pure Heart
Release Date: September 4, 2010
Language: Japanese
English Subs? Yes

Cast [Actor->Character]
Rakuto Tochihara-Keisuke Tozaki
Yuta Takahashi-Shousei Kurata
Mitsuyoshi Shinoda-Miyata Kazuomi

Summary
A writer by the name of Keisuke Tozaki has a chance meeting with his former high school crush Shousei Kurata. After a night of drinking together, Tozaki admits that he had a crush on Kurata. How will their relationship develop from here?

My Thoughts
Being my first BL (Boys Love) movie, I was curious to see if I would get the same fangirl mood I get when watching an animated BL series. And I'll admit, I didn't really fangirl as much as I thought I would. But what it lacked in fangirling scenes, it made up in the actual plot. The fact that the movie didn't rely heavily on BxB action, earned my respect in the sense that I would consider it an actual film, as opposed to a movie who's main goal is to drown you in your own nosebleed.

The soundtrack was really well composed. It was very lighthearted and enhanced the mood of the story in a very subtle yet effective way. Would I go out on a full hunt for the OST? Not really, but it's still worth listening too. Plus it makes a good track to study too!

Character wise, the movie was well casted and the characters were really conveyed well. Rakuto Tochihara, to me, had the perfect uke face and I couldn't have asked for a better person to portray Tozaki. Yuta Takahashi on the other hand, really didn't stand out that much to me as a seme, but more of a "friend to the uke" type of person, as far as looks goes. This, though, can be easily forgotten by his superb acting.

Overall, I really enjoyed this as my first BL movie. The only con I can really think of is some of the kissing scenes. They seemed very over exaggerated and forced, and quite frankly, a bit awkward to watch and not realistic at all. But that's my only complaint about that, and despite those few scenes, it doesn't take away from the rest of the movie. This is defiantly one I would put on my recommendation list of BL movies. 


Rating
8/10



Here is the movie for those of you who would like to watch it.

 

 And here are a few screenshots of the movie.

My favorite line!

 

I Can Die Happy: Sekaiichi Hatsukoi Gets A Movie in 2014!

YESSSSS!!! Nothing can every express my happiness for this movie. Going back to my first post on this blog named The Best Thing That Happened To Me Since Starbucks, I discussed the basic plot and a short description of the couples in Sekaiichi Hatsukoi. Since the series stopped at Season 2, like it's counter part Junjou Romantica, I dreamed of the day that a Season 3 would be released for either (or both) of these fantastic shows. Unfortunately, to this day my wish has yet to come true, even though I am 95% sure that the currently ongoing mangas have enough material to work with for a new season. But load and behold, Studio DEEN decide to gift all of us Yaoi hungry fangirls with a Sekaiichi Hatsukoi MOVIE.

In this movie, the focus is on the best friend of Takuno Masamune, Yokozawa Takafumi. Now if you were anything like me watching this series, at the mention of the name Yokozawa you would be screaming crazy things like "Takano-san belongs to Onodora, not him!!!" or "Takano doesn't love you, go find another person!". And thanks to our efforts, Yokozawa is taking our advice and is going to find himself a man he can finally claim as his own, also known as Zen Kirishima.

The specific release date is to-be-announced, but is supposed to be aired in Japan around spring of 2014. And in order to feed your newly profound eagerness, here is a 16 second long teaser to help make the anticipation worse.

 

 

 

More information will be followed once it's released. And before this post ends, I have one extremely nagging question: Yokozawa, seme or uke?

BANZAI!! 2013 BanzaiCon

Yay, my first die hard anime convention! I had a bunch of fun here, especially since we got the three day passes (another first!). And I must say, there was a hefty amount of people there. I don't know if it's because I live in a very not-so-happening place, or I don't know a lot of anime lovers but I was expecting a lot less people. But hey, I'm not complaining.

The dealers room wasn't as big as I expected it to be. One could easily do a quick swoop around in less than 3 minutes, but the overall content of the room was good. I was eagerly greeted by the wonderful stand of Japanese snacks, some I have seen before, and some that completely baffled my mind. I ended buying a Champagne, Hot Chili Oil, and Curry Flavored Ramune. So far I have only tried the Curry Flavored Ramune, and your mind has the hardest time deciphering if it tastes sweet or like curry. Like I said before, baffling, but worth the experience!

The dealer's room overall was pretty interesting. Aside from the snacks, I got myself a wig, a Sailor Moon necklace, and a Vampire Knight Magnetic Bookmark Set (gotta keep reading interesting). I also contemplated on buying a kimono which was going for $20 and up, but instead decided to settle for a macha green Alpaca. To my happiness, they had a little table of Kpop CDs and I almost got one. The only problem was that the prices were ranging from $35 the least to about $100. My opinion, stick to ITunes if you just want the songs, but go ahead and spend the dough of you want to collect and have extreme bragging rights.

Panels, a great way to get informed and have a butt load of fun. Thanks to my gracious parents who were willing to sit through the entire 2 hours of screaming and singing, I had a wonderful time fangirling and dancing at the Kpop Panel. I also got a new arsenal of catchy songs that I am now thoroughly obsessing over (B1A4-What's Happening, Bigbang-Monster). Kpop panel aside, I also went to an FX Make-up Panel which is very informational to a person (like me) who knows absolutely nothing about how to make scars and burns. The questions from the people around the room also give you a more detailed explanation and tricks for future reference. Bonus, she passed out free Almond Joys! 

The only disappointment I had was at the Hatsune Miku Concert Panel. Not only was the room packed so much that I was breathing in hot dog breath from the guy next to me, the screen was barley visible. If the people who run the panel know that Hatsune Miku is practically an icon now, they should've either put the screen higher or put other screens around the room. From what I could see, the video was extremely low quality. It might've been the fact that it was a bunch of YouTube videos compiled onto one big video, but whatever the case I was disappointed enough to leave within the first 10 minutes and YouTube the videos myself when I got home. At least that way I knew I would've be plagued by the drastic hot dog breath the entire time. 

Overall, I really enjoyed myself. I'm will admit that I was expecting it to be bigger, but then again I think I'm just spoiled on MegaCon. Plus, it's all about the content. Would I go back again? Probably, though it might not be my ultimate first choice.

Did you go to any Anime Cons lately? Comment below and tell me your thoughts on it :)

My new magnet set!

 

 

 

 

Can't do an anime con without Ramen.

 

 

Where their is Ramen, their is Rice balls.