The first film has a big place in my heart for lot's of reasons, even though i have a totally different cultural background i could relate to its themes and Story of dealing with friendship and all the baggage that can come with & so much more. I knew relatively late that there was not only a sequel being made, but actually already released, so as soon as i found it by coincidence while browsing imdb (thanks for that) i first thought WTF??? What for and why?, the story is told!... Well even though those points are valid, even after having seen it, i also couldn't ignore it and just went on a path to hunt down the film (it was really hard and tedious to find it. Please Rights holder release it on Blu ray in English language territory already)... Gladly i found it and it took another half year until i was ready to watch it, as for the simple reason of me not wanting to waste the first view for when you're not ready.

Boy oh boy was i in for a treat, while the film has some Kitano style imitated it also goes its own path (just as its characters). The ending touched me deeply and fitted perfectly to the story, you could even say it mirrors in some sense it's predecessors, just with a slightly different heartbreaking outcome, one could even say that it may be predictable and or forthcoming, but it is the only ending that makes sense and has the biggest impact.

The biggest difference to Kitano is that while it stays true to its origin (its a collaborator and DP of kitano upgrading to Director) in terms of style and Kitano Humour, it also differs enough to be its own film that could also with its story be seen as a standalone film. Less humour and even more drama.

Id say i really liked the film and will probably enjoy it watching again. It won't beat Kitanos first, but it doesn't have to, so enjoy it for yourself and be surprised

Not many hype for his movie in recent year, unless he did some yakuza stuff, people will swarming all over him. But sometime people forget that he is good with drama stuff too, but still, yakuza element will always be included. This time, he is not the one who direct his own movie, he hired Hiroshi Shimizu for this one, and its come out good, like his past movies. Do you like "Kids Return" (1996)? If you do, you will surely like this one. Its quite similar, but this one is better than its predecessor. The likable plot, the usual weirdness, the less dialogue stuff. Everything is mixed up so well until its become so enjoyable to watch. I love the silent scene, its not just some meaningless scene, its a meaningful scene that invite audience to think together with the actor. What will happen next? why you do that? Everything happen in this movie is so unpredictable! Highly recommended!