“Young Master, a good man.” While Russian TV decides how to celebrate the 85th anniversary of Zhirinovsky, Fuji TV simply cannot close their eyes to the 100th anniversary of the death of Natsume Saseki and not release a pretty film based on the famous novel of the same name.
First, about the declared genres. I'm not saying I saw real drama. That is, I did not notice any serious and deep feelings, and none of the heroes suffered serious changes. The genre of comedy is more suitable for this picture, it is laughter that mainly holds the viewer. And, of course, not the little-known Ninomiya Kazunari, the most popular pop idol from the group “Arash”.
Despite his status, Ninomiya still outweighs his story - working with Eastwood, "Japanese Oscar" this year. He can be called an actor, and even a good one. The young Master convinced me with his naturalness and sincerity, in some places naivety and capriciousness. I was ready to shout, “I believe you!” In his firm look read the whole character, for which he loved his aunt. Convincing!
Despite the too strikingly drawn scenery (sea, trains, steamers), the film is made very beautifully. The style of the early 20th century is maintained, including in the speech of the characters, their manners and movements. The actors are well chosen, each in his place. Unless the local Madonna embarrassed me, would not call her beautiful ... but these are Japanese concepts of beauty.
As a film with a greater focus on comedy than drama, the plot didn’t bother me much. The vicissitudes are too flat. There was a fight, there was set up - but all this does not entail serious consequences and does not change the characters. In the end, the disciples of the Young Master allegedly realized their mistakes and changed. Totally unconvincing. The reason is too weak for sudden dramatic changes.
7 out of 10