Long Love Letter (2002)

Where to begin?
This is possibly the weirdest and most surprising dorama I've ever come across. Nothing is what is expected, or what it seems.
It's just as hard to define its genre, because while it could be listed as a science fiction drama, the fantasy part is just a device to make a very human, touching and very present message come across: are we really capable of cherishing our lives? Do we truly appreciate all the little and big things thrown onto our path or do we give them for granted?


Were I to base the overall rating only on how much I liked it, I would give it a 10. But it's undeniable that it doesn't deserve it on the cinematographic level: the shooting quality is average at best, it reminded me of those catastrophe movies from the 70ies, like Poseidon, or Empire of the Ants, often naive, with some ludicrous special effects. And it certainly does not shine for its photography.
The music goes from ordinary to completely random.

But characterization, dialogues and acting make up in heaps for whatever flaw. If you have read The Lord of The Flies by William Golding, this drama may remind you of it. Mix it with the most classical concept of Carpe Diem - seize the day - and you have Long Love Letter.
Kubozuka Yousuke is adorable here, at times childishly clumsy, at others emotionally intense. But it's Takako Tokiwa who really steals the screen, her character being the epitome of strength of will, sweetness and courage.
In fact, this drama is acutely feminine, like mother Earth herself.
The kids play their part very well, one ends up liking a quite stony Yamashita Tomohisa too.

I adored the ending. It makes this into one of those dramas one is emotionally compelled to talk about with someone, share opinions and questions. Like it or not, it doesn't leave you untouched.

So, by now you have 2 choices: decide that both the drama and the reviewer are deranged and leave it be, or watch it.

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In contrast to what I felt, how much I cried, to many times my heart skipped a beat, how many times I was on the verge of praying for the character's safety... my comment is going to look miserable and unworthy to this drama.
This drama is absolutely brilliant! From the first seconds to the last ones. If you try to decide to watch or not to watch this drama after reading the plot you'll be mistaken, as even the best written plot will never prepare you to what you're going to experience during this drama.. it didn't prepare me...
As I wrote in one of my episode reviews, the plot changed with such speed... the characters were full of hope for surviving one moment, and the next they were thrown into the hole of absolute hopelessness... that was making me constantly very worried about the safety of the characters, and I came to fell their pain, loneliness, hopelessness... so naturally... when they were jumping over the canyon I wasn't even breathing... not to miss any rock falling from under their feet, any sigh or deep breath they breathed while jumping... my heart was bout to burst.
This drama had the most unexpected events happen, so I could NEVER ever guess what to expect further... This is the first time I was watching a drama and not expecting the ending even slightly...
The movie has almost no cinematographic value, so if you're looking for beautifully shot drama, this one's not for you.
This drama's highest value bear the dialogues, you should hear the words being said, or being kept silent but at the same time reaching you so clearly...
Definitely one of my favourite dramas from now on...
'Ima wo ikiro!'

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