Cute Japanese Movie of the Month: Honey and Clover

On the plane ride home from Rio, I watched this really cute movie called Honey and Clover. It's the first live action adaptation of a popular manga about a group of art students training under a guy named Hanamoto. One day, Hanamoto introduces his cousin's daughter, Hagu, to the group. She's a super cute, talented artist and all the guys instantly fall in love with her. The story unfolds at a mellow but highly entertaining pace—it really does feel like you're flipping through the pages of a well-scripted manga. But it's not annoyingly girly or overly artsy at all—there's a certain innocence to it that even my gadget-loving boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed. (He won't admit it now, but I overheard him telling my dog that he discovered a new movie that he really liked called Honey and Clover.)

Honey and Clover is available on DVD and sometimes shows in theaters. Check out the web site for more deets.

Comments

[musashimaru]

Thanks, will check it out :D

[mom]

What is the Japanese Title?

[Alex M]

I haven't seen the film but the Japanese drama series of Honey and Clover is pretty good as well. A little bit slow for my liking so I expect it would be better as a movie. Will check it out. :]

@mom: Hachimitsu to Kurōbā according to wikipedia.

[BobbyMike]

I watched this on a whim (I'm a 45 year old furniture maker). I'm a big anime fan, but usually watch Sci-Fi and the sort.

Brought me right back to art school.

Highly recommended.

[Harry]

I too recommend the anime - it spanned two "seasons" and gives the story and, more importantly, the characters room to develop. I thought the movie did ok, but trying to cram all that into 2 hours was bound to leave gaps.