Japanese films from the JFF 2024: The Lines That Define Me and BL Metamorphosis

[alterkrmn]

I'm still trying to watch some films from the festival. Last Saturday I saw The Lines That Define Me (線は、僕を描く, 2022) and I really liked it. I won't even try to write coherent thoughts because my brain is in slug mode, but I love sumi-e and the idea of ​​finding your own lines instead of just imitating those of the masters seemed very beautiful to me because it applies to art in general.

Then yesterday I watched BL Metamorphosis (メタモルフォーゼの縁側, 2022) and thought it was absolutely adorable. Yuki, an old woman discovering something new and forming a friendship with a young girl thanks to her love for BL manga... and the way Urara is transforming thanks to that friendship... it was too cute. I had to pause the movie several times because it was too much.

I also watched Closet (2023) and Best Wishes to All (みなに幸あれ, 2023), short films part of the Japan Horror Film Competition (第１回日本ホラー映画大賞, 2023). Although I am not a fan of horror because I am a complete chicken, I couldn't resist the curiosity and I am going to try to see the other two films, you know, to broaden my horizons and even overcome the trauma that Ringu and Ju-on left behind (yes, I was young and everyone wanted to see those movies... but I had nightmares for years after seeing them, lol). So far, I found Best wishes to all scarier than Closet, and I even had a silly interpretation for the ending of Closet.

I am what I am is next on my list. As well as Baby Assassins (which I tried to watch on SUnday but got interrupted and then when I finally had time to watch it, I was too tired to do it).

Let's see how many more films I can watch in the remaining days of the festival.

Comments

[elisheva_m]

I loved that about Lines too. And their friendship in BL Metamorphosis was so special. Yuki is the kind of woman I'd like to be, and maybe would be if not for health, and Urara's fears reminded me of myself when I was young. And the scene where she's talking with her character, that was so beautiful.

Did you find time for I am what I am and Baby Assassins? The hyper-violence in BA was too much for me so I gave up on that one. Really liked I am what I am.

I'm glad you got to see all of these :)

[alterkrmn]

I didn't have much time or mental energy to watch the other films I wantes to watch because job has been kicking my ass. I didn't even watch the weekly NiF episodes or finished watching Joy of Life... I was exhausted. I am a bit sad but I'm hopeful I can watch some of them later in other places. BL Metamorphosis really was a lovely story. I want to read the manga now. I really wanted to watch Baby Assassins because hyper-violence is totally my thing. I love the John Wick Movies, for example XD

[elisheva_m]

Twenty-Four Eyes (good but sad), My Broken Mariko (also good but sad) and KIBA: Fangs of Fiction (alright, but very business setting focused) are on dailymotion. BL Metamorphosis and We Made a Beautiful Bouquet (also good but sad) are on bilibili. Those are the ones I know about but they (and youtube) are the only platforms I checked.

Should I go find photos of Wen to cheer you up a little? <3

Have you gotten checked for anemia yet? I know it takes bandwidth to do but it might help.