Forget what you've heard before about what this story is about. This story is about a love that is doomed in every respect, but even so is still so deep that it can not be denied.
This movie tested my patience. At certain points the movement on screen was so slow that I started to think there was something wrong with the disc player I was using. I am not a fan of 'artsy' films. I do not usually shed tears during 'emotional moments' in movies. I am not familiar with the other incarnations of this story in Japanese comic or animation form so I am judging it based only on what I saw in this film.
The ending got under my skin and made me shed tears. Due to a painfully beautiful ending I can not give this movie higher praises. Upon a 2nd viewing all the almost unbearable slowness makes sense and is actually appreciated! The acting once thought hollow now seems only reserved emotions. I found the movie to be a true experience.
I recommend that if you can bare the initial slowness to give this movie a chance and hopefully you will come away with a deeper understanding of what love is and can be. Ironically, this was an extremely moving film with the least amount of actual movement I have seen in a very long time. I am personally very thankful to have seen this film.
