Grey Skies | Silver Linings

I don't know what it is about the Japanese culture, but I find that they're an emotional people. They're not exactly the "heart-on-my-sleeve" type, but they do manifest their emotions externally. And it is most evident in their works of art - the words to their songs are a little sadder, their cartoons are a little deeper, and their television shows and films are little more provocative. And so when my brother recommended this movie to me a couple of days ago, I couldn't help but feel somewhat validated: I have since watched this twice. And I am not ashamed to admit that in both occasions, I ended up with sweaty palms and cold feet. From time to time I would turn away from the screen so I can avert my eyes from just a split-second of some of the morbid scenes, only to end up seeing another one when I look back. (There were plenty in the movie. In some ways it was reminiscent of Mel Gibson's "Passion", save for a younger cast, a more