A quick, light to read narrative set in the world of Japanese manzai comedy following a story of life, passion and friendship in between an aspiring manzai artist, Tokunaga and his eccentric mentor, Kamiya. A journey that highlighted on a tale of struggles with that insight of one’s dedication, sacrifices and resilience. Quite tender in exploration with affecting lingering monologues, loved how it captured those tensions and way the characters wrestled with their desires, ambitions and the reality in the industry; those uncertainties , expectations and how emotionally harsh it can be.

I enjoyed how the story unfolds though the pacing was a bit slow-burn and perhaps due to the translation work that the said humor or comedic parts in few of its scene did not stand that amusing much to me. Loved Tokunaga’s contemplative tone and his overall characterization. His relationship with Kamiya was a bit bizarre yet gripping enough to lure me towards both life dramas and their wandering personal conflicts.

Felt bad for the duo Spark but understand how Yamashita has to do what he needs to do, and still, I want to root for Kamiya too. A heart-moving ending with that same admiration and unwavering commitment; somehow inspirational and loved how it goes back to that biography stuff at the end.

(review copy courtesy of Pansing Distribution)