BOYS ON THE RUN (2010)

Written & Directed By: Daisuke Miura Based on the manga by: Kango Hanazawa Cinematography By: Shinya Kimura Editor: Yukiko Kobori Cast: Kazunobu Minera, Mal Kurokawa, Ryuhei Matsuda Toshiyuki Tanishi (Mr Tanishi) is a 29-year-old chronic masturbator and toy vending machine salesman - he is socially awkward and down on his luck. Things change when he meets Chiharu a pretty woman who might actually be into him. Unfortunately, he has competition for Chiharu's affection from handsome, rival vending salesman Aoyama I find this film interesting as I think you will. As it seems to go against what it seems to be made for. Romantic idealism. Through out the film you believe no matter what the obstacles it is headed one way then towards the end you get a rude awakening that slaps you in the face and makes you question what you have seen before. At first you question it like, have I been lied to? Then you realize that this whole film is from the perspective of it’s lead. So we go with him and learn information as he does . There are no cheats for the audience, No over view so we know what will happen. I like that the film isn’t afraid to show the characters in a 3 dimensional manner. No one is a complete saint or sinner. The Characterization might not be audience friendly or what we are used to. Yet it brings a reality to it all. It’s based on a Manga so some might feel that is what makes the film feel like it’s going to be a crowd pleaser. One of the reasons I like foreign films personally is that as different cultures have a different view of universal feelings and situations such as relationships and love then necessarily Americans do. Though sentiments are universal. Foreign films tend to put the same obstacles in the way for romantic happy endings, but they are not afraid to put more daring and controversial even racy obstacles and characterizations. So far in particular Asian cinema that I have seen have been the ones brave enough not to have happy endings of the two lovers coming together this film has more or less let them flirt and have the audience root for them to come together and in the end they may or may not but at least in trying they found themselves or borderline issues. Either way getting to that point is fun and exciting. The Reason this film has been compared to Judd Apatow ‘s films is the fact that the humor is dark yet feels truthful. While being a bit lowbrow but also the humor and pacing of the film is based around cringe inducing awkward situations and humor. The film is far from a crowd pleaser but it is definitely a film that stays with you after it’s done and makes you think. SPOILER At first I was willing to Villianize the girl. Then I realized while what she does is despicable she didn’t know any better and she was reacting to love and romance like a teenager. Not knowing the proper way to react to people and love and after becoming vulnerable and dumped. Willing to do anything to get the guy back or impress him to get him to be favorable. It’s not right as this film has taught us by plenty of examples. No one is perfect. Things happen and people have issues , But no matter what life goes on. END SPOILER I applaud the film for it’s bravery. Which sets it apart this film is definitely not for everyone. The technical style of the film isn’t noteworthy at all. Yet it’s a film that if you can make it the whole way through some scenes are so awkward that they are hard to sit through. It’s worth it. I found myself wishing that sometimes they would cut in some anime to illustrate scenes or represent fantasy and dreams. The film has humor. It’s not funny hilarious. It’s more deadpan. Tot ell you the truth if not for a review of the film I would have never discovered it and been really disappointed missing a film that I can identify with in more ways then I expected. GRADE: B