While I’ve loved Ai Yazawa since her early work Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai, I did NOT like Nana. Yes yes, how could I not like her award-winning work. It just didn’t resonate with me. So I was reluctant to read Paradise Kiss, until suddenly it was about to become a live-action movie starring Kitagawa Keiko (who I have a super soft spot for because she got to make out with and date my Yamapi), and Mukai Osamu (oh, only the hottest young actor in J-ent right now). So a few months ago I bought PK and read it in one night. I loved it. I loved it even more because of the ending. Oh ho, I know I’m never going to hear the end of it, but I found the ending totally honest, consistent, and absolutely how I would have chosen had I been Yukari.
Anyhoo, Paradise Kiss the movie opened in Japan earlier this month and has gotten solid reviews and is doing quite well at the box office. I posted about it before here (with the trailer), but now I’ve gotten some gorgeous official stills from the movie to share. Osamu as George was a masterstroke in casting, except he didn’t do the blue hair thingie. George, sigh, what a piece of work. I mean that in a good way, because damn his character was neigh unforgettable. I’m not sure Keiko as Yukari is nearly as perfect a fit. Another reaon why I can’t wait to watch the movie is for the gorgeous fashion porn. Lastly, I’ve embedded a cute CF where Keiko as Yukari models for an ice-cream brand.
I know I’m totally going to cry when I watch the movie. Just because I liked the ending doesn’t mean I didn’t completely buy the love between George and Yukari. It was passionately dysfunctional, yes, but totally the kind that can never be forgotten.
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i like nana but its very overrated. her artwork and fashion designs are stunning and she always has pretty cool characters but the story is pretty much plotless with over 15 volumes long. weird how parakiss has only 5 but as much as emotional impact.
parakiss is always awesome, even if the movie was sappier and didnt show the same depth as the manga.