Also Known As: Yes, No, or Maybe Half?, イエスかノーか半分か, Yes ka No ka Hanbun ka
Synopsis: Kunieda Kei is a TV announcer who always had to maintain his composure for people not to be disappointed in him. However, one incident will lead him to show his true colors to someone he will slowly fall in love with.
Genre / Themes: Drama, Romance, Workplace
Country: Japan
Released Date: December 11, 2020
Note: This review contains some spoilers.
Review Start!
STORY
This movie has portrayed what a TV reporter goes thru in life. I remembered my dad telling me how a local newscaster can look so perfectly kind and conservative, but when they're not in front of the camera, they can be somehow different.
That's why I totally understood what our main character was experiencing. Especially, if someone's not straight, it can be very hard for them to live a normal life. Thankfully, in other countries, they were more accepting (a great example would be Anderson Cooper of CNN).
Going back to Kei Kunieda, even though he cannot reveal his love life publicly, he's fortunate enough to have a partner who understands him. And I think that's the most important thing.
Regarding the ending, it looked like we might have a sequel after the character Keiichi Aso said about returning as soon as possible. I'm not sure, but, the way he said it seemed like he eagerly wants to meet Kei.
CAST
Kunieda Kei (Mr. Owari)
In a relationship, he's someone you'll want to protect at all costs. His situation is similar to a closeted guy with valid reasons, so you'll do everything to make sure he will feel loved and cared for.
Tsuzuki Ushio
The out and proud guy in a relationship. He's open-minded, supportive, and just full of wisdom. (Kei's so lucky to have him!)
WRITING
There were so many confrontation scenes in this movie, all were beautifully written. But my favorite would be where Kei as Mr. Owari was asked by Ushio if he will just wear a mask forever (for having crooked teeth, which was a lie made by Kei). Because what he said resonates with who he really was in real life -- someone who needs to hide his true self for not to be judged by the public.
TECHNICALITIES
I like the piano/violin background music. The tracks sounded simple but, they were dramatic/romantic at the same time. The ending song "Sekai to Kakurenbo" (Hide and Seek With the World) by Atsushi Abe and Yoshihisa Kawahara (the voice actors) was great as well (make sure to listen to it!).
And the voice acting was really amazing, especially in the scene when they had a heavy argument.
Unfortunately, they didn't have great shots or sceneries. But, either way, the movie was still watchable because of its great direction and writing.
WATCH OR SKIP?
VERDICT: This runs for less than an hour like The Stranger by the Beach, and obviously has less budget. But, I truly enjoyed this movie more. So yeah, watch this mina-san!
Notable Quotes
Kei: So you can smile like a normal human.
Ushio: Handwork shows your personality. A lot more than you'd think.
Ushio: I remembered the people who used to treat me like dirt, but then sucked up to me the moment I became famous.
Ushio: Whatever I'm creating, I end up thinking of ways I could have done it better later. The only way to make up for it is to make something better next time.
Ushio: Most artists are always nihilists at heart.
Ushio: So you hate women and men? Are you the only person you care about?
Kei: I always played along and acted friendly with everyone. I always smiled and never got mad or yelled. It's a hassle to open up and to listen to someone open up. But if I said I'm actually scared out of my mind... I wonder what he'd say? Can I remove this mask of Kei Kunieda that's now stuck from wearing it for so long?
Ushio: Which is it?
Kei: Huh?
Ushio: Mr. Kunieda or Owari?
Kei: Half of each, I think.
Ushio: Everybody has multiple sides, but I've never seen anyone so extreme.
Kei: You were half in love with Mr. Kunieda and Owari, weren't you?
Ushio: Didn't you know? I love you twice as hard.
Favorite Shots
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