Best of Korea 2015 Winners!!!
Ready to have some fun this weekend? Then how about rocking out to my three picks this weekend. These movies will leave you wanting more, as they are packed with: drama, music, friendship, romance, and did I mention Sexy Rocker Boys (my weakness). Well enough with the talk and on to my picks...
Description: Maho Minami (Shiori Kutsuna) returns to Japan after studying in New York. Her half brother Ryusuke Minami (Hiro Mizushima) is an ultra talented guitarist. Maho & Ryosuke then meet Koyuki (Takeru Sato ), a fellow young teen whom Maho takes interest in. Soon enough, Ryosuke and Koyuki form a 5 piece rock band named "Beck," while Maho and Koyuki become involved in a romantic relationship. The band starts to play live shows and grow an enthusiastic following. The release of their debut CD helps to further the band's popularity. People start to notice Koyuki. The band then endures a producer's planned conspiracy and other hardships. Beck then receives an offer to play at a rock festival, but with the unusual stipulation that the band may have to dissolve.
Genre: Music, Drama. Year: 2010 Country: Japan
Why I loved it: Well come on, first of all the cast is a plus, I love Mizushima Hiro and Mukai Osamu <3 I really enjoyed watching how the friendship/bromance between all the guys is put to the test. They all face difficulties as a band trying to reach fame. When Beck is finally given the opportunity to show what they've got, they are confronted with even more obstacles that can jeopardize their dreams Will they overcome this? You will have to watch to find out.
Description: Set in Japan in the 1990s, there is one rising band called LANDS, that is starting to find success midst a flood of other bands. Asako (Kitano Kie) and Miharu (Anne Watanabe) are two Tokyo high school students. When Miharu gives Asako her favorite indie rock band - a LANDS CD - she becomes an overnight fan and sets her heart on talented guitarist Yukiya (Kora Kengo). When they go to see them in concert, they sneak their way into the backstage area and Asako gets acquainted with some of the band's members. Natsu (Akanishi Jin), the vocalist, is immediately attracted to Asako and begins bringing her along to the band's practice sessions. Though Asako enjoys it, she proves to be a distraction to the other band members and is soon ejected from the session by Yukari, their manager. But Natsu is determined to keep her around, pulling strings to make Yukari and Asako become friends, and eventually, helping Asako to become LANDS co-manager. LANDS was formed among friends, but as the band begins to climb the ladder towards major stardom, they get in touch with the dark side of the music industry. Discord surfaces, inevitable frictions emerge, and unrequited love strains their friendship, threatening to pull their bonds apart.
Genre: Music Year: 2010 Country: Japan
Why I loved it: I really liked how this movie takes place in the 90's. Its like going back in time. In contrast with Beck, this movie is more realistic. The movie shows the real dark side of the music industry, which was what I really liked. Akanishi Jin and Kitano Kie play amazing roles. Their relationship is somewhat complicated but I liked it. The music in the movie is just great! I'm sure you will become a fan of the Lands.
Description: Two girls meet on a train headed for Tokyo. The bubbly girl in white is named Nana and she sits next to a black-clad rocker girl named Nana as well. They talk briefly and seem to share some common bond, before leaving for their own separate ways. When bubbly Nana looks at an apartment for rent in Tokyo, of course black-clad Nana would be there and wants to rent the same apartment. Instead of trying to decide who should get the apartment they decide to share the apartment as roommates. From there their bond grows closer as they help each other deal with their own personal problems.
Genre: Friendship, Romance, Drama Year: 2005 Country: Japan
Why I loved It: Last but not least: my favorite. It's not just because I'm a fan that I'm recommending you guys to watch it. The movie itself is just great. Nana fans, I assure you that you will love this movie if you have not yet seen it. Disappointments in love/romance make two total opposite girls become best friends and their friendship is the only thing that keeps them strong. One of the two Nana Osaki (Nakashima Mika, my favorite), is the leader of the band Black Stones whose dream is for them to become famous and surpass her ex-boyfriend's band Trapnest, who left her for fame. Will The Black Stones surpass Trapnest? You will have to watch it to find out! FYI - make sure to check out Nana 2. Oh yeah and the music is awesome!!
Well, I really hope you guys enjoy this weekend's movie picks. Let me know what you think. If you have already seen them, I would love to hear from you as well. Have any recommendations for me, please let me know.
