xxxHOLiC 2022: The Unimpressive Adaptation
When it was first announced that xxxHOLiC would be remade with entirely new cast, I was happy. I had high expectation because the live-action drama version which was aired on WOWOW in 2013 failed to impress me. Aside from the length (only 8 episodes @ 26 min), I wasn't too fond of the cast.
This time, the production team chose top tier actors for the movie. Shibasaki Kou was cast as Ichihara Yuuko while Kamiki Ryuunosuke portrayed the main character, Watanuki Kimihiro. Doumeki Shizuka was played by Matsumura Hokuto. Watanuki's love interest, Kunogi Himawari, was entrusted to Tamashiro Tina.
The promotion photos released were pleasing to the eyes. "Oh, it's gonna be good," I thought at that time.
But...
After actually watched it, I have to admit that xxxHOLiC 2022 is unimpressive. Well, the costumes are all nicely designed. Kudos for the costume designer(s)! Yuuko's dresses are all pretty. Some are quirky, but very detailed and gorgeous.
Since they opted out the Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE reference, the story seemed to be too rushed. The characters didn't get proper background stories. People who don't read the manga version would likely be unable to enjoy this movie. It'd be too confusing to follow the story.
If I have to point out one thing that annoyed me when I was watching xxxHOLiC 2022, that would be the music. It's all over the place. In some scenes the music is too loud. I DO appreciate Shibuya Keiichiro's work. But truth be told, I feel that the music doesn't match the dark story.
Shibasaki Kou really nailed it. The audience got to see the mysterious Dimensional Witch Ichihara Yuuko. The way she sits, the way she looks at Watanuki, the way she speaks, the way she walks are so on point.
"Ah, this is the Yuuko that I had imagined," I thought.
As for Kamiki Ryuunosuke, well, certainly not what I had expected. Lack of depth. The boy needs to upgrade his acting skill. And what's with that hairstyle?
To be honest, Matsumura Hokuto's interpretation of Doumeki Shizuka is a bit off and stiff. Doumeki is supposed to be a man of less words, but with warm heart.
In Tamashiro Tina's hands, Kunogi Himawari is a little sunshine that she is. But sometimes the cuteness felt too forced. Too bad her screen time with Watanuki and Doumeki is very limited. Thus, it's hard to convince the audience why Watanuki is so determined to save her.
Another aspect that saves this movie is the borderline bromance between Watanuki and Doumeki. It's just right the way I wanted it to be. The intimacy, the mutual trust, the right amount of physical contact. During Watanuki's loop, the audience gets to see their closeness. Watanuki's eyes spark when he sees Doumeki. Also, don't forget the scene where Watanuki feeds Doumeki the strawberries! I almost hoped that this was a BL movie.
My score for this movie: 6/10.