10 recommended movies starring Mayu Matsuoka, an actress who embraces her role and walks alongside her!

3. "Chihayafuru" Part 1 (16), Part 2 (16), Part 3 (18) Director: Norihiro Koizumi 111 mins/102 mins/128 mins

This live-action series is based on a popular manga and depicts the struggles of passionate high school students who "devote their entire youth" to competitive karuta. Matsuoka plays the strongest karuta queen, the nemesis and goal of the main character played by Hirose Suzu, with a dignified presence.

Chihaya (Hirose), who values ​​her team and bonds, and is diligently honing her skills, and Shinobu (Matsuoka), who has become a solitary figure because he is too strong. Shinobu, who is torn between the reality that "the more alone you are, the stronger you become" and her deep desire to have friends, and whose pride and complexes are in conflict within herself, stands in front of Chihaya with the strength of a demon god, saying, "I'll make everyone say that team matches were just a game."

Chihaya's part stands out for its upbeat "passion" as a typical youth sports story, but what stands out in Shinobu's part is the downer "suffering" and "pain" that comes with having talent. A frozen ice-like presence that blocks a blazing flame - this unorthodox presence is also a perfect fit for Matsuoka. His friendship with Chihaya, who continues to study single-mindedly to understand Shinobu's "loneliness," save her, and bring her into view, is also heartwarming.

Matsuoka loved each and every card in the Hyakunin Isshu as a friend, and trained hard to achieve Shinobu's fighting style of "going to meet them" rather than "taking them," embodying the "queen." The heated match scenes, which unfold at high speed and are still fast even with slow-motion effects, are thrilling and will make you sweat. The parts where Matsuoka shows off her dignity with her dignified demeanor are also beautiful.

This film brings together a number of promising young actors, including Nomura Shuhei, Arata Mackenyu, Kamishiraishi Mone, Yamoto Yuma, Morinaga Yuki, Shimizu Hiroya, and Kiyohara Kaya, so be sure to check out their fresh and passionate performances.

Watch "Chihayafuru: The Beginning" for free! "U-NEXT" is now free for 31 days

Watch "Chihayafuru: The Beginning" for free! "Hulu" is now available for 2 weeks free

Watch "Chihayafuru: The Last Verse" for free! "U-NEXT" is now free for 31 days

Watch "Chihayafuru: The Last Verse" for free! "Hulu" is now offering it for free for two weeks

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