Originally, we have "Renai Shashin" which was a 2003 film based on Kaoru Ogawa's original screenplay. Then, in 2006, we have this movie, "Tada,Kimi Wo Aishiteru" which is based on Ichikawa's novelization of "Renai Shashin".

Basically, they're the same story with same characters, at least the MAIN storyline is similar. But i guess, with the novelization it differs in some areas. As we can see from this movie later on.

Before continuing on my thoughts of this movie, I have watched Renai Shashin before, starring Ryoko Hirosue and Ryuhei Matsuda. And i liked it.

So when i watched this one,i was thinking to myself already, why would i want to watch a movie that has the same storyline, based on the same thing? Won't that be repetitive?

But since it has Tamaki Hiroshi and Miyazaki Aoi in it, i thought why not give it a try? Well, it's a more sweet touch on the story really this one. It has innocent looking Makoto with weirdo Shizuru. I can't help but keep comparing the previous movie with this one. *is it just me or it seems like Tamaki seemed to be paired up with weirdos all the time* hint:Nodame.

Anyway, I actually browsed through some parts which i think is quite lagging and unnecessary. This is the thing with most Japanese movies i've watched so far, they seem to like dragging some scenes which could've been cut short.
Well, this movie is definitely different from the previous one. It's like i said, a more innocent POV than Renai Shashin which shows you the realistic lifestyle in New York where you see gangsters around and such. And i can't help but seem to always see a little of Chiaki senpai in Tamaki Hiroshi in here. Although he acted as shy and innocent as possible, i still have the feeling that he's just put into normal student T-shirts and tried to act like one, but somehow at some points, failed to do so. Maybe coz he looked too MATURE to be a student anymore.

As to the story, I like the fact that they changed the storyline, avoiding the repetition with Renai Shashin. Which is a wise move but somehow by doing so, it lacked the feel to it. Somehow i prefer Renai Shashin over this. I guess by now, you'd have known my preference. xDBy having Shizuru died out of yet another unknown rare disease is a little bit too unbelievable at this point for me. Why does Japanese directors or screenwriters like to have their characters have some sort or incurable disease anyway? To gain sympathy? In this case, it didn't help much i'm sorry to say. It's too common.

That said, I'd recommend Renai Shashin over this really. Ryuhei Matsuda somehow seemed a better actor in this over Tamaki Hiroshi. And of coz, Ryoko Hirosue wins over Miyazaki Aoi in this.