Cherry Magic! Trinta Anos de Virgindade Podem Fazer de Você um Mago?! (2022)

Lovely Slice-Of-Life Epilogue.

General spoiler only at bottom of review.
Cute and sweet, slice-of-life epilogue to the series. It's simple and light and I found myself smiling a lot. It’s a nice and very satisfying end cap to the series story. I wouldn't recommend it unless you've seen the series first, otherwise you'll be missing the emotional foundation of the main couple's bond. The secondary couple were less annoying to me in the movie (and didn't get much screen time, which I was fine with).

I appreciated how Adachi and Kurosawa learned to communicate better with each other and started to approach things in their lives as a team.

The lead actors are so good with their eyes and facial expressions. Everything is 100% believable until there's close romantic physical touch, then it feels ever so slightly stiff. Even so, there are some nice hugs and the way they look at each other holds so much emotion.

The cinematography is nice but the music is not memorable.

GENERAL SPOILERS.
The introduction to the families was a nice blend of realism and fantasy. Some realistic tensions were brought up, but then were resolved fairly quickly, which kept the overall tone of the movie bright. The family members with concerns showed a lingering internal worry even as they made efforts to be accepting, which I thought was a nice, more realistic touch than doing a 180 in 5 min.

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Did We Really Need This?

This was... fine.

Honestly, I don't know what else to say about it. It was underwhelming, though I wouldn't call it bad. It's just-- the show is one of my all-time favorites, and this just did not hold up. I didn't feel the chemistry I felt in the show, and it just couldn't get me to /care/. There really wasn't a story it was trying to tell-- it was so slice-of-life, just following Adachi and Kurosawa's relationship after the show ended. Nothing particularly exciting happened, and honestly this was nothing we couldn't have gotten from fanfiction (and done better, too!).

The only scene that really stuck out to me was the scene with Adachi's family. The rest of them... weren't anything special.

So, yeah. This was fine, but did we really need this? Was the show not enough?

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I didn't like the show, but the movie...

The drama didn't feel more special than other dramas to me, personally. It didn't feel complete, I found Kurosawa to be plain, I liked the side couple a lot more, etcetera etcetera... but I liked the movie. Others seem to be saying it doesn't have the magic that the show had, and that this movie wasn't necessary. I feel the opposite.

Instead of Adachi being all, "whoops, I lost my magic. Well, that's fine, I guess. There's nothing else I can do besides accept that..." I was relieved that they both learned the consequences of not trusting each other and failing to communicate before the magic was gone. It finally felt like they were standing on the same step.

I actually appreciated the arc with Adachi transferring and getting injured on the job more than anything else in the movie, because they were able to show the viewers a real issue that gay people have to face: not being able to be each other's emergency contact without marriage. I can understand why some viewers dislike that Adachi and Kurosawa got married in the end. Japan doesn't have gay marriage, so it could seem like they were just trying to pander to the fans... but I personally chose to see this as them showing why marriage is important to gay couples, without all the angst and heaviness that I know I'm tired of seeing in LGBTQ+ media - because why can't they just be happy? There are tens of hundreds of movies and shows that address homophobia and the hardships of being queer. While that media has helped spread awareness, gay people themselves already understand all of that. They live it everyday. Can't they just see themselves being happy now, or having more nuanced plots?

And while Cherry Magic the Movie still acknowledged that those hardships exist, they took a more uplifting approach. It might have been more simple than what fans wished for, but it felt warm to see how determined Kurosawa and Adachi were to include their family and friends in their love. They could have been content with just having each other, but they allowed themselves more than that. They refused to be alone, so from there they carved out their way to happiness. Good for them.

I do wish we got to see more of their coworkers. I was glad to see that Rokkaku has a new resolve and he values himself more now, but I wish we could have seen him learning about Kurosawa and Adachi's relationship as well. I think he would be happier for them than anyone. And Fujisaki was able to express her feelings in her own vague and private way, but as someone who's also aroace, I wished to see her confidently say out loud that she has no intentions of getting married and that her happiness lies within herself. I'm happy with what we saw of Tsuge and Minato though, since I felt that their spin-off was already a good conclusion, and now they're marginally more happy than before.

It was a good watch. It's not something extraordinary that has never been done before, but I'm glad that this movie exists as the ending of Cherry Magic.

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Touching and ultimately satisfying.

The movie has a different feel and pacing from the series, and initially, I was disappointed as I was looking for, and missing, the lightness and humour that was such a part of Cherry Magic. I thought about bailing, but I kept watching because those two actors are just that good. Seriously, I'd pull out the popcorn and the lapquilt just to listen to them do a table read of my insurance policy's fine print. Once I settled into the movie, I started to enjoy it for what it was: a more serious take on what would happen once the magic of a fairytale dissipates. By the halfway mark, I was totally invested in the film, and closer toward the finish line I kept mentally tagging places that I knew I'd want to rewind to. All in, I felt it was a touching end to a wonderful series, and, as the titles says: ultimately satisfying.

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the leads repulsed by the thought of having one kiss

when i watched the serie first, i can tell that both dont want to kiss but i was like "whatever" the story was so good then and fun so i was able to ignore it but here the movie is kinda slow, not many things going on and the fake kisses?? i mean i will not mind if there is no kiss at all instead of making fake kiss scenes while its so obvious that they are not kissing and it make me wonder ,why those people act as a couple in bls if it make them feel so uncomfortable? look its not a bed scene or anything but one kiss repulse them and i just find it ridiculious? stick to straight series if you cant deal with acting in a bl because i watch and as a viewer i dont get the feels that "those two are in love" their scenes do look awkward asf.
only 2 positive things i want to mention , i like Kurosawa's character , so understanding so patient,so supportive and so in love, the other thing is Yutaro i love his blond hairstyle look so good on him and he is so pretty, i wish to see him in another bl but as a main character instead

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Wizard Husbands - The Movie

This was another one of those rare cases where I liked the sequel better than the original. Cherry Magic! The Movie is still lighthearted and fun, just like its predecessor, but it is much more grounded in reality and has an important core message.
Rather than focusing on the conflicts and misunderstandings that arise from long distance relationships, as the summary made me believe, this movie instead showcases the struggles a queer couple face in everyday life and in their relationship and, what's more, does it with such heartfelt and tender care that I genuinely teared up a few times.

What I loved the most was Kurosawa and Adachi coming out to their parents and deliberately choosing not to keep their relationship separate from the rest of their lives. I found both scenes very deftly handled and quite touching, and their inclusion was incredibly meaningful, both for the characters and for queer viewers such as myself.
And last but not least: the marriage. In the immortal words of The Impressive Clergyman: "Mawwiage is what bwings us togetha" and bring them together it does. Rarely have I seen a more perfect happy ending for a perfect happy story.

If you liked the show or are looking for an easy-to-watch queer romance with a lot of depth and love, I highly recommend you this movie.

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A little slow but a good conclusion for a great series

It’s very lovely, though I do agree with others that the film lost some of its “magic” from the original series.

It’s fine that they dropped the mind reading element, but it did feel that some of the more lighthearted, funny moments were missing. Admittedly, this also had more heartfelt moments, which held their own merit.

Overall, it helped act as a final conclusion for the series and made their story feel more complete. Which I think is the most important thing when creating a concluding movie for a beloved series.

I would recommend to anyone that enjoyed the original series. It does provide additional closure to their story.

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Wholesome and brave: focuses on their future, which is SO important

I'm no expert, but I think this is a great addition to Asian queer cinema, especially when you think about how same-sex marriages isn't even legal in Japan (as of June of 2022). This movie gave a sincere and wholesome story to a gay relationship and, most importantly, let them have a future of happiness. I think it's a brave movie.

This review will have vague/brief comments and then will have more detailed-specific spoilers.

Vague spoilers:

From the trailers, it seemed like the entire plot of the movie was going to be about their separation due to work and how they were going to struggle with communication and not being together. Which, I think, would've been fine too but it would've been a lot of strain and angst for a new budding relationship. Instead, the movie pivots halfway and adds another layer: it's about them, after figuring out what they truly want, moving forward together. It's a coming out story to the people they love. And it is handled so carefully, so beautifully. And the supporting cast makes their appearances, which was a delight, but this story is really about Adachi and Kurosawa's future. And I cried, laughed, and my heart was full. I'm so so happy for them. There is a tiny thread about the second couple that I felt could've been better, but I still enjoyed seeing them again on my screen.

The pacing may not be to the liking of those who wants something more fast-paced and exciting. This movie (and this drama) has never been about that. It's always been a gradual reveal and gradual understanding. It's tender. The quietness of the film amplifies the importance of their expressions, actions, and words. Truly well done.

Please go watch this movie (after watching the drama). You won't regret it.

Now, here is where I gotta be more specific and spoil the movie because I need to address a main complaint that I keep seeing from viewers.

STOP HERE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ SPECIFIC DETAILS ABOUT THE MOVIE.
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I'm just going to say it: we do not get an explicit, lip-to-lip kiss. There. So if you're here to see that, you won't get that. They do kiss but, with the camera angle, you are not shown the lips touching.

People complaining about not seeing a kiss in the movie is a valid opinion, but a lot of people seems to fetishized it more than anything. They just want to see two cute/hot men kiss. That's, well, problematic. Especially when it's coupled with wrong reasonings like claiming that the movie "queerbaited" the audience. Please, stop throwing that word around like that. Please, look up the definition of "queerbait." You are wrong if you think that this movie (or the drama) queerbaited. Oh my goodness. Also, please stop assuming the actors' sexualities and stop assuming that they have complete control over how the movie is made. They're actors. They're not the producers, directors, editors, or stakeholders. Unless the actors have said it themselves that they don't want to kiss same-sex actors, please stop claiming that it's the actors who are "too straight" to do a gay kiss. I beg you.

Personally, I think a kiss could've been cool but I have no issue either way. I think this movie could've championed LGBTQ rights even more than it already does by showing an explicit kiss, thus breaking the taboo of seeing same-sex people kiss. But it didn't do that. Fine. I can understand in some ways considering Japanese's current trend of BL dramas and how Japan literally still don't recognize same-sex marriages.

The movie still delivered a beautiful story that focused on the main characters' growth, especially Adachi, and focused on choosing to be together publicly. It's well done. Adachi in the drama and at the start of the movie has often relied on his power to understand people and to gather the courage to communicate to others. Sometimes, he relies on it TOO much and so the movie focuses on getting Adachi to move away from that. Once they truly settle into one another, they think about their future together--and they do want that: to be together for as long as they live. And they don't want to be hold back by laws and society. So the movie gently shows the anxiety and difficulty in coming out to the people you care about but the necessity in doing so and the importance of it.

I love this movie, this drama, and these characters. It never fails to make me feel a whirlwind of emotions. Also, the fact that they get married--when Japan again literally does not recognize same-sex marriages at this time--is SO important. The lack of explicit lip-to-lip kissing truly doesn't undermine anything in this movie.

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Falls somewhat flat compared to the drama (but still a good watch)

First part of my review contains no spoilers and the second does. Read at your discretion.

First part:

I'd generally recommend this drama to people and this movie as a continuation of it. It's a solid ending which wrapped all of the fluffy things in neat wrapping paper. You see characters grow and develop alongside some side stories which do make an impact as to how this entire Cherry Magic ordeal is perceived.

Second part:

Their chemistry was lacking compared to the drama. It felt as if though I was constantly at the edge of my seat waiting for that impressive finish line cross and it didn't happen. Not even a singular kiss. It was certainly interesting seeing how queer people navigate interpersonal relationships with their families and friends in Japan (as opposed to where I'm from), but I anticipated just a tiny bit more skinship - or, if that wasn't an option due to the actors, more romantic scenes. But it just felt as if the energy was off a bit overall.

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Viên mãn.

Nhân dịp phim chiếu ở Việt Nam nên mình đã đi xem cùng bạn, cảm thấy thật may mắn vì bên CGV đã mua bản quyền phim để mình có cơ hội được xem. Phim có thể gói gọn trong hai từ viên mãn. Mình chủ yếu đi coi cũng chỉ để hít kè các anh và thấy được hình ảnh hạnh phúc của một cặp đôi màn ảnh mình yêu quý.

Nhịp phim chậm với những tiết tấu đời thường đẹp đẽ, câu chuyện tình yêu đơn thuần và trong sáng nhất thế gian giữa Adachi và Kurosawa. Họ đi cùng nhau qua năm tháng và cái kết hạnh phúc là cảnh đám cưới như trong mơ của hai người.

Xét về tổng thể thì những tình tiết trong phim hơi nhanh một chút, có lẽ muốn hiểu hơn về quá trình bồi dưỡng tình cảm của hai người thì vẫn phải đọc manga. Nhưng mình vẫn rất vui vì có cơ hội được xem phim. Đi xem các chị em hú hét vì những cảnh skin ship nho nhỏ giữa hai anh. Chỉ tiếc là phim không có cảnh hôn nào mà đơn thuần là lợi dụng góc máy, mình đang mong những cảnh bùm bụp bồng nhiệt :)))). Thôi đôi khi cảm giác không có thịt này cũng dịu nhẹ cho những ngày hạ oi bức...

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dont believe the negative reviews

cherry magic the series is one my favorite bls of all time so i was nervous looking at reviews for this movie and seeing mixed reception. but trust me if you liked the original series you will like this movie.

PRODUCTION:
i feel like the quality was overall nicer looking than the original series - maybe due to a bigger budget. i dont really recall the music but the absence of the opening from the orignal series is dearly missed. though the callback to it was brillant. dont have much to say other than that.

STORY:
now i do think the story has some continuity issues - esp if you have watched the specials you'll question if the specials are even canon anymore due to the timeline of the film. there is another thing also but i do want this to remain spoiler-free. i also do feel like the movie jumped around a lot - it honestly could've aired spilt up into a couple of special episodes or a 2nd season. but the writing does very much still line up with the quality of the series tho i dont find the movie to be as funny as i do the series.

CHARACTERS / CASTING:
adachi (akaso eiji) is one of my favorite bl protagonist. and he still shines through here but you can tell he has grown from the series and even in this film you see him grow as a character to be someone different compared to his beginning.

kurosawa (machida keita) the loml. the BEST bl love interest. can never do wrong. i dont really think we get to see as much of his dorkiness and lovable personality as much as we do in the original series which is a shame. but i still love every moment kurosawa just looks at adachi in this movie.

akaso and machida's acting together is what really sells cherry magic in general. you compare the amount of intimacy to other bl airing these days and even at the time it originally aired. i see bls where couples do much more than adachi and kurosawa do on-screen. but i will still take adachi and kurosawa anyday just them sitting next to each other and talking or even just looking at each other carries so much weight. seeing their relationship struggle but eventually grow in this film is such a delight. every second that adachi and kurosawa are on screen they sell this movie. i dont think anyone else ever could. i will truly miss not being able to have anymore of them in the future i love them.

i do wanna say if you are looking for more tsuge and minato you dont get much - which honestly for me was a good thing because they were the only thing i didnt like in the series so having less of them made this even better.

CONCLUSION:
altough i think if i had to choose i do prefer the original series. i think was its own season rather than a movie thus couldve taken more time with its story it wouldve maybe matched up completely to the series. but i still really loved this film as a continuation and ending (cries) to cherry magic. there are scenes and dialogue that will speak to you and just seeing adachi and kurosawa together should be reason enough. you have been holding back on watching this film because you want it to be as a good as the series - dont do that. if you enjoyed the series you'll enjoy this film as well ♡

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