I have initially put this movie on hold, since I wasn't really ready to handle a depressing film as per the initial summary I've read at Avistaz but I'm glad I finally got to watch it. The movie is mostly slow and has a really complex story line. Despite that, the portrayal of the actors was top of the line, it felt realistic and they have nailed each character with so much fervor it could actually affect the way you think of the movie. Upon watching, I feel like the main character Yozo Oba has lived such a bleak existence. He had no sense of purpose and I felt bad for him as he trudged on with his life not knowing where to go, what exactly he wants to achieve or simply not knowing how to live in happiness. Near the end of the film though, there was a glimpse of a little fulfillment and joy in his desolate life, but it didn't actually last long. Things simply happen and life was being a bitch to him. Music wise, it was melancholic and enough to make the film into what its tone should be but it's not something that has wowed me enough to remember it. I'm having second thoughts on re-watching it, probably I will in the far future if I wanted to re-analyze my own life if it has indeed become as depressing as Yozo Oba. Overall, I would suggest that if someone would decide to check this movie out simply because Ikuta Toma is their bias, think again. It's not romantic, it's also devoid of anything funny because this film can sap the happiness out of you like it did for me and lastly it has a heavy atmosphere all throughout its run time. That said, I’m still recommending it because it happened in real life, it is a beautiful memoir and it has fantastic actors to back it up.