Bokura ga Ita

I think Bokura Ga Ita was the sweetest film I’ve watched in ages, next to Runaway Bride. There were of course sad moments, but those were the unfortunate events in the lives of Yano Motoharu (Ikuta Toma) and Takahashi Nanami (Yoshitaka Yuriko). Like what Yano said, “The pluses are greater than the minuses.”

My favourite character in this film was Takahashi Nanami. I like Yano but his decision-making lapses didn’t please me. I didn’t hate him though, well except for that scene in part one when his mother was out or would be coming late. But he looked awkwardly funny by the end of the scene.

When Yano and Nanami had their first intimate slash vis-a-vis moment, I was surprised how I didn’t feel uneasy with with the way Nanami looked at Yano. Had it been other movie or actress, I might have felt an internal cringe in me. On the other hand, I find it casual and relaxing. I think Yoshitaka has such effect. It was the same in GANTZ: The Final Answer.

Nanami reminded me that true love waits. She was just firm for her love for Yano. I think she was also the personification of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which says:

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Such love was so strong and powerful that it earned the name of being a compass. I’d say it’s true.

I also love how the cinematography of Bokura Ga Ita, both of Zenpen and Kohen, rolled smoothly in a pleasant way. I find the nature scenes, especially during daytime, refreshing. Even the night scenes were cozy. There was even a nostalgic scene, when Nanami was at the subway. It reminded me so much of GANTZ: The Final Answer.

Bokura Ga Ita Kohen

Because I got so attached to the first film, I couldn’t help but immediately watch the sequel. I bet, the fans of the Bokura Ga Ita Zenpen were so happy that they only had to wait a couple of weeks for the Kohen. The sequel was heavier in plot too, but I’d say Nanami’s character and presence made everything lighter. But I noticed that she’d matured and became stronger.

For the first time, I saw a visibly strong Takahashi Nanami. It was during a dinner with Takeuchi Masafumi (Takaoka Sousuke). Everything about her, from the inside out, including her aura exuded strength. It was not a brute type of strength but rather a firm resolution or conviction. I loved it.

Despite that, Nanami remained pure, in a sense that she still kept in touch with her true feelings. I’m glad she’s not a damsel-in-distress type, whose strength is always questionable to me. Nanami had pains and sorrows but her strength was within her. It’s also equally admirable that she remained hopeful and faithful.

When I saw the connection of both parts, technically speaking, I got so amused. It must’ve been the reason I saw the two movies as one. I also like how there are, as usual, words of wisdom to live by from Bokura Ga Ita. How both parts complete the story made it all the more sweet and sentimental.

Most importantly, I love how this film ended. I think it was just fitting and realistic. Had they ended Bokura Ga Ita differently, I might’ve been too pissed with the writers of this film.

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Originally posted on: 29 April 2013
Reposted on: 3 August 2013