As always, "Returns" in the "Ossan's Love" series is still a story full of love and warmth.
At first, I didn't understand why they would release another one.
But then I remembered an interview I saw about the producer, Takajima-san. What she wanted to create was probably the "everyday" of the "future".
Life is always changing, and living is nothing more than "going through the days".
What does "life" look like? It's the mundane things like food, drink, and daily routines that we naturally experience every second of our lives. It's in those moments that we experience joy, anger, love, and happiness. This is what we call "life".
"Returns" is first and foremost about "returning to the ordinary". It's like coming back from Narnia. Narnia is real, but between breaths, dust inevitably falls, and the body gradually feels its weight, focusing on where the feet have been and where they are stepping.
Even though there are still some exaggerated techniques, in my opinion, the overall character personalities and actions in "Returns" are much more calm and down-to-earth compared to the 2018 version. It's the result of the characters maturing and a shift from pure romance to realism. It even gives a feeling of "becoming different", which is a real feeling that occurs when people reunite after a long time apart.
"Returns" truly depicts the "subsequent lives" of that group of people from back then, just like how we are living our lives right now.
It's so real, yet so beautiful. I interpret "Returns" as "returning to love".
They are always enveloped in love. From that time until now, they have embraced strong love. They come together, pure and good, creating ultimate beauty.
This is not unrealistic. Just like how Narnia is not on the other side. Who's to say our real lives aren't like this? As long as people are willing to believe in love, they can love, and love exists in this world.
Hiroshi Hasegawa is always an amazing character in the entire "Ossan's Love" series. He is the great "hermit" who lights the way. In this installment, he continues to care for those who are lost, helping them regain their energy to move forward with his abundant love.
And at the core, the essence of love, is the seemingly ordinary and unremarkable Sota Haruta.
I feel like there are no words to describe him, just like how do we describe love?
Love is circular, like a Mobius strip, without a beginning or end, constantly moving back and forth.
All he thinks about is "loving". He waters everywhere, and flowers bloom everywhere, creating a colorful and fragrant world.
I still marvel at how much suffering and rescuing it takes to have the extraordinary fortune of being the only flower in a circle that monopolizes the water source. Maki.
This crystal-clear Haruta is the essence extracted by Mr. Kei Tanaka.
It's like my most cherished three major arcana cards: "The Fool," "The Lovers," and "The Sun."
Born from love, finding joy in love, pure in nature, naturally returning.
Haruta may be in Narnia, while Kei-san stands firmly on this side.
This version of Haruta is the embodiment of pure love, and it's truly a blessing to see the manifestation of love once again.
But that's not all.
With just a few scenes, Kei-san brings out the lively side of Akito, showing off his sexiness and charisma. No need for further explanation. (laughs)
But that's not all.
There's also Haruta playing Akito and the adorable Haruta in Akito's love story. It's a showcase of Kei-san's acting skills and multifaceted charm.
It's truly luxurious, this installment.