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Yuki is a high schooler living a nomadic life, tied to his family’s traveling classical theater troupe. Constantly switching schools has made him introverted and weary of making connections—until he meets Ken, a bright classmate who breaks through his shell. While Ken is more obsessed with idol culture than traditional stagecraft, Yuki’s only goal is to have his new friend see him perform just once.   It’s a shame the international release didn’t stick with the original Japanese title, Mabuta no Tenkousei (“The Transfer Student’s Eyelids”), as it perfectly captures the soul of the film. The movie wraps its tribute to Taishu Engeki (Japanese popular theater) in a story of innocent friendship that, beneath the surface, reveals itself as a delicate tale of adolescent queer love. It’s told with quintessential Japanese subtlety, avoiding the heavy-handed tropes or “message-first” approach often found in Western productions.   The final scene is a […]

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