My friend, Kari, and I were about 75% finished watching his film From Me to You. We watched a little bit every time she was able to come and visit me and we were almost done. Then July 18th happened and I just couldn't finish it with her. She completely understood, but looking back, I wish we had watched that last 20 minutes together. A part of me will always regret that.
Today, after an entire year of not watching any of Haruma Miura's entertainment because the thought of it was just too much for my heart to handle, I rewatched From Me to You.
Those familiar with the story also know it as Kimi ni Todoke, based on an insanely popular and very, very long manga of the same name. I've read possibly 10 volumes of the manga, although that was years and years ago. From the very first moment I watched this film in the late spring of 2020 (only a few months before his death), I fell in love with the story, the acting, the cinematography, everything. I'm hugely in love with sakura さくら (cherry blossoms) and they feature heavily in the movie, so that was undoubtedly one reason for my love.
But really, I love From Me to You because of Haruma Miura. Because his smile lit up the screen like nothing I had ever seen before. He wasn't one of those tsundere (cold) characters that only warm up after you get to know him. No, the character he played, Shouta Kazahaya, couldn't be cold if he tried. And I adore him.
It's the age-old story of a boy falling in love with a girl but told in such a gentle, sweet way. Kazahaya is the popular boy in school, mostly because he's outgoing, but also because he's kind. So when he meets introverted and, yes, weird Sawako Kurunoma getting lost on his first day at a new high school, he ends up smitten.
The moment when he's directionally confused and she pauses to help him.
Kazahaya grins because a cherry blossom has landed in her hair.
He plucks it out and hands it to her; the blossom is in the portentous shape of a heart.
Since introversion is her middle name, Kuronuma stares at him uncertainly.
He grins at her which is the moment when the audience falls in love with him.
And when he turns to look back at her and sees her disarming smile, he's smitten.
So continues the story. Kuronuma is the nicest and kindest girl. She will help anyone and she absolutely lives out the idea of doing a good deed every day. Kazahaya sees this in her and his feelings for her only grow stronger and stronger as time passes.
Except you never met such a boy for being nervous about sharing his feelings or such a girl for being uncertain about what she feels. It doesn't help that Sawako looks just like the girl from the horror film The Ring, named Sadako, which is why all of her classmates except Kazahaya constantly call her Sadako instead of by her real name, Sawako, which means joyful child, a name chosen very carefully and accurately by her loving parents.
Slowly Kuronuma comes out of her shell, learns to evaluate and assess her emotions, and even develops precious friendships, and naturally, she and Kazahaya fall in love, but very, very slowly. I love it when the fall semester starts and Kazahaya deliberately takes a seat next to Kuronuma when nobody else really wants to. Until two other girls who've been thinking about befriending her actually take action and sit near her too.
Kazahaya is frustrated listening to everyone not want to sit near Kuronuma.
He shocks the entire class by electing to sit by Kuronuma by choice.
Kuronuma stares at Kazahaya in shock.
He grins back at her in embarrassment.
After her two female classmates choose to sit by her too, Kuronuma nearly cries from happiness.
Kuronuma's new friends giggle because her happy face is kinda scary.
And Kazahaya is relieved because Kuronuma is realizing she's not alone.
There are, of course, some popular tropes, like the other girl who's loved Kazahaya since forever, etc., etc., etc. But it doesn't bog the story down too much overall.
From Me to You is lovely, start to finish.
It is a slow-paced film, takes its time in telling the story, and just delights most viewers if they have the patience to sit through it. I happen to love slow-paced films when they do it right, and From Me to You absolutely does it right.
If you've been wondering where to start with Haruma Miura's filmography, I recommend starting with From Me to You.
Or, if you're interested in more of a tragical love story, then Sky of Love (MY REVIEW). If you watch Asian entertainment then you probably already know how and where to find this film with English subs. I absolutely recommend it on every level possible.
And while I didn't go too deep into the story, just know that it's precious, and not just because of Haruma Miura. I truly love Mikako Tabe as Kuronuma, the shy, slightly weird girl who ultimately finds her way. This story is about learning to express your feelings clearly to others so they'll understand you and you can understand them . . . from me to you.
One last screenshot for the road. Kuronuma always amuses me in how traditional she is, being so careful to walk behind Kazahaya when he's walking her home! Even though he would never, ever expect it of her, and she actually makes him awkward and uncomfortable by walking behind instead of beside him.
Rest in peace, Miura-san. I've shed so many tears over you in the past year. But miraculously, none today. You were such a remarkable actor with such a beautiful spirit. I will always miss you.
I've been looking for more sweet romances. Will have to watch this one.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful little movie, very sweet and slow-paced. One of my favorites. It was wonderful to re-watch it.
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