Twittering Birds Never Fly: The Clouds Gather (2020)

I might be biased because I came from the manga, but this story overall is a masterpiece regarding lingering childhood trauma and harmful coping skills. The main character is Yashiro, who seems like a masochistic sex maniac, but as the story develops, you start realizing that this isn't really him. It's really a desperate attempt to regain control over his unimaginably painful and traumatic experiences. Deep down he just wants to held gently and for someone to be on his side, but he doesn't really believe he deserves it. After all, no one has ever treated him like that, and the only love interest he ever had, didn't reciprocate his feelings. And then Doumeki comes around... The story handles heavy topics, and the way these things are portrayed without being glossed over is incredible. As you progress in the storyline, you can't help but feel sad and angry about how unfair life can be. You really want to pull your hair out watching adults violently misstreat, abandon, and neglect children and what an immense and lasting impact it has on their lives. That being said, this movie is just the beginning of the story, barely scratching the surface of what's to come. It somewhat falls short in displaying the depth of the characters and their past. I recommend anyone who isn't bothered by exlicit scenes and had a slight interest in the movie and its topics to read the manga. I guarantee you, this story won't leave your feelings untouched.