Early Summer Watchlist ☀️🎬
◽️ Our Last Summer (2024, Aonaka Sora)
Absolutely loved this. The kind of youth film you have to watch in summer—restless, rebellious, full of that raw teenage energy that wants to scream at adult rules and crash into politics and power. Sure, the political angle was a bit on-the-nose, but that’s what made it hit—so earnest, so bright-eyed. The friendships felt tender and real, like a group I’d want to hang out with. Funny moments too, just the right kind of summer ease. And the ending theme? Thought it was composed by Sakamoto Ryuichi for a second—my brain filled in scenes that were even grander…
◽️ Desert of Namibia (2024, Yamaka Yoko)
Chaotic, empty, anxious, young, female. I don’t know what to do with life either. Watched this after Our Last Summer and it hit me again—Kana’s awkward Chinese heritage reminded me of the “outsiders” in the other film. Life in Japan for them feels like… trying to grow flowers in a desert. Also, Kawai Yuumi is stunning. That cycling scene in Part 5? Rewound and rewatched. Multiple times. Q_Q
◽️ Canned Mackerel (2022, Kanazawa Tomoki)
The kids in this are SO sweet. I felt like I just lived through a breezy childhood summer—bright sun, cicadas, fireflies. Everything slow and golden. This movie is my summer break in a tin can. And yes, I was also that kid frantically doing homework on August 31st…
◽️ All the Things We Wake Up To (2024, Miyake Sho)
Gentle as water. Quiet, simple, no loud emotions—but it stays with you. A soft voice telling a story you’ve maybe lived yourself.
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What have you been watching lately? I’m still wandering through films like I’m walking barefoot through summer grass.
#entertainment #movies #summervibes