Okay, picture this: You're curled up on the couch, maybe it's raining outside, you need something heartwarming but not, like, *too* sweet. You want a story with depth, some feels, maybe even a few chuckles.
Enter: March Comes In Like a Lion the live-action film! (Based on the manga/anime of the same name, but we're talking the FILM here!)
What's the Buzz About?
This movie follows Rei Kiriyama, a super-young and incredibly talented shogi player. Think of shogi as Japanese chess, but with more strategic twists and, in this story, a whole lot more emotional baggage.
Rei is basically a prodigy, but he's also profoundly lonely. He lives by himself, orphaned at a young age, and carrying a mountain of pressure on his young shoulders. Sounds like a downer, right? Hold on!
The Kawamoto Sisters to the Rescue!
This is where the magic happens. Rei stumbles into the lives of the Kawamoto sisters: Akari, Hinata, and Momo. They are sunshine personified. Seriously, if sunshine was a family, it would be them.
Akari is the oldest, a gentle soul who basically adopts Rei. Hinata is a sweet and earnest middle schooler, and Momo? Momo is a toddler tornado of cuteness and chaos.
They feed him delicious home-cooked meals (seriously, the food in this movie looks amazing!), offer him a place to belong, and generally inject some much-needed warmth into his icy little world.
Why You'll Love It (Even If You Know Nothing About Shogi)
Don't let the shogi thing intimidate you! The film isn't *really* about the game. It's about finding your place, battling your inner demons, and the power of connection.
Think of it as a coming-of-age story with a side of Japanese chess. The game is more of a backdrop to explore Rei's anxieties and struggles than the central plot.
Plus, the actors are fantastic. They perfectly capture the nuances of their characters. Ryunosuke Kamiki as Rei is brooding and vulnerable, while the actresses playing the Kawamoto sisters are just delightful.
Prepare for the Feels!
March Comes In Like a Lion isn't all sunshine and rainbows, of course. Rei deals with some serious stuff: grief, depression, the cutthroat world of professional shogi.
But the movie handles these heavy themes with sensitivity and grace. It doesn't shy away from the darkness, but it always offers a glimmer of hope. I dare you not to tear up at least once.
It’s a very gentle movie and the slow pacing can be therapeutic, if you are looking for that.
So, Should You Watch It?
Absolutely! If you're looking for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even inspire you to learn a new game (or, at least, crave some home-cooked Japanese food), then give March Comes In Like a Lion a try.
Even if you only have a passing interest in anime or Japanese culture, it's a worthwhile watch. It's a beautifully shot, emotionally resonant story that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
Just be prepared to want to hug someone afterward. Preferably a Kawamoto sister. Or maybe just a really good bowl of miso soup.
"It's about finding your place, battling your inner demons, and the power of connection."
