The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese (2020)

A game of cat and mouse

*outline*
[You may wanna watch this alone. CAUTION : MATURE THEMES e.g. sex and nudity]
I'm the type to judge a book by its cover, so I didn't have high expectations from the very beginning due to the plain poster and the weird title. In fact, I never would've watched it if I didn't come across it on dailymotion while I was watching a different movie. It popped up on my recommended so much that it became annoying and the title actually ended up interesting me. The title, despite the absurdity of it, actually fit the story extremely well. The cheese representing greed and the cornered mouse representing one or both of the characters.


*analysis*
STORY : The first thing I have to mention is that the movie had a sad ending. I was so sure of myself that there would be a happy ending but- unfortunately there wasn't. The confessions and rejections were actually really good, the rejections didn't exactly make me sob or anything but they were probably better than the confessions. One thing was the nudity - there was SO much of it that at one point I had to take a deep breath to calm myself down and carry on watching. The pacing was a little slow and some scenes even made me feel like they didn't need to exist. This actually longed the movie out a little too much. The fact the plot was unique (to me, at least, because I've never come across with anything similar) was what truly made me give a 10 rating. Yeah, sure, there was a lot of beating-around-the-bush and the pacing was slow, but the uniqueness of the plot is what motivated me to continue watching the movie.

ACTING/CAST : Narita Ryo did so well in portraying his emotions and make his love seem so real and alive. The fact he was like an open book throughout the story really made me look at myself and think "damn sim, why can't you do better". So hats off to him. Okura Tadayoshi's character was supposed to be a little closed off, I assume. I couldn't exactly see much love when I looked at him except for maybe his wife. His character was a lot more complex compared to Narita's, whose was more simplistic. Okura portrayed more 'want' rather than love, which could also be his way of showing his affection but I'm not really sure. His character was a little difficult to understand.

MUSIC : I don't remember there being music but I gave it a high rating anyways because throughout the movie the instrumentals that came up sounded nice to the ears. I'll really have to rewatch this movie to keep a look out. The story actually distracted me from listening out to any tracks.

REWATCH VALUE : I don't know if I would rewatch but I think I might want to revisit the story and explore the characters a little more now that I know the ending. I would probably miss the characters a little, especially Imagase Wataru. There wasn't any comedy or anything that especially attracted me to him as such, but I just really loved his role.


*recommendations*
I would definitely recommend this to a friend, but I also wouldn't due to the fact there's nudity and I have a rep to hold :0.
I don't have any specific recommendations to share either but;
Visit my Custom List "Asian BLs" which includes Korean, Thai, and Taiwanese BLs to see some of my watches. I don't actually give very low ratings because I believe every story has a moral and that every love is shown in its own way which may be what romance directors attempt to portray. If you're like me then definitely check them out !! ^.^

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This movie proves that Dramalist ratings are never to be trusted!

This was one of the most beautiful and raw movies I've ever watched. It was steamy, well paced and I legit never once felt there was a filler scene. There was character growth, as well as smooth story progression. By the end I was convinced this is on my top 5 for best chemistry between two leads. This is a bit of a side bar, but they didn't sleep on their female characters at all! They were phenomenal actresses and each one unique, as well as gorgeous. I would be more sad that I missed this until now because of the low rating, but it's honestly not easily accessible to watch. It gave me such a positive outlook for going through DL to watch all the shows/movies I wanted to, but put off do to ratings.

The rating of 7.4 has to be solely on the fact that it has an open ending, one that I think we can all agree we know where it'll go. For me it was one of the healthiest open endings and I was actually really satisfied, you'd have to watch till the end to understand. It makes me seriously sometimes wonder if 80% of the BL fans on here are stuck on SOTUS or something fluffy, refusing to never look forward. Demanding in most comments for something realistic, then getting it and refusing to embrace it for what it is.

The Japanese are still the tops for me on angst and gritty romance, this movie can't be missed!

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I want to shake some sense in all of them!!!

Completed: 10/16/2022

This is not how I typically write a review but I find it quite difficult to put a rating and write about my likes and dislikes. Instead, I am just going to put down my rants and feelings.

This drama depicts the very complicated and unhealthy relationship between two VERY flawed characters. They are pretty unlikeable and don't have too many redeeming values. I fail to see why everyone is so in love with Otomo Kyoichi. He's selfish and self-centered, and plays with others emotions. I really don't know why Imagase Wataru is so obsessively in love with him for 8 years, when Otomo has never done anything nice to him. I want to stick my arms into the screen and shake some sense into Imagase. I also want to bitch slap Otomo so bad.

Throughout the movie, I keep on saying to myself, "Imagase, get the F out of there! He doesn't deserve you! Why do you keep doing this to yourself? Why do you want to be in this toxic relationship? He doesn't give a damn about you!! GET OUT!!" Unfortunately, the leads are in this never-ending cycle of a torturous relationship. I am so angry!!

In the end, there's growth in the characters but it's a long roller coaster ride before we get there.

Is this a good movie? I don't know and it really depends if you like this type of movie. But if this movie can evoke such emotions out of me, it deserves at least an 8.0.

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"To Truly Love Someone, Is For Them To Become Your Only Exception"

The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese is a beautifully melancholic movie that is very artistic. Everything feels very deliberate from the choice of lighting down to the clothing color choice. And it all comes together into this intricate web and it just draws you in. It's not a movie that leaves you smiling at the end, but rather one that leaves you silently pensive.

This truly is a dark and gritty movie. The characters are deeply flawed human beings engaging in a toxic relationship and that relationship is not romanticized like it is in so many other BLs. On the one hand, you have Otomo Kyoichi who, despite being married has engaged in repeated affairs and has no real understanding of what love is. And on the other hand, you have Imagase Wataru who has been in love with Otomo for some 8 years, since their university days. Neither character has very many redeeming traits. Otomo can't remain faithful to anyone, is deeply selfish, cold, cruel even. He's manipulative and remorseless at times. And Imagase is a study in unrequited love, but the kind of love where there's not really a reason, you just love them. Because why would he love Otomo with the way he treats Imagase? But he does love him, not that it's in any way healthy. It's the kind of love that he's willing to do anything for a chance, even blackmail or stalking. And also under that love is a level of fear and paranoia that eats away at him until he breaks.

The character development achieved is very impressive, particularly with Otomo's character. It's a natural progression that feels well done and organic, not at all forced. His journey is not an easy or pleasant one, but it is a necessary one for him to grow and become a person capable of loving and being loved. Imagase's development is less overt, though no less powerful. His is a battle with self, the yearning to stay while also knowing that it's time to let go. The pacing in general of the movie is practically perfect. No scene feels extra or out of place, it all just flows together seamlessly.

The acting is absolutely phenomenal. Okura Tadayoshi had the challenge of playing Otomo who's fairly reserved, but the beauty of his acting was the sheer subtlety of it. Even if his face wasn't necessarily displaying a specific emotion, you could see wheels turning in his head. And Narita Ryo, oh my goodness, did he pull at heartstrings. Between the scenes where he breaks down, the beach scene, and the ending, he just broke my heart. He also has some of the best lines of the movie and he delivers them beautifully.

Yes, there is nudity in this movie, no full frontal, and several NSFW scenes, but I would not classify them as pornographic. They are tastefully done and they play a key role in revealing the development of the characters' relationship and emotions. If such scenes are off-putting to you, this is not a movie you should be watching.

I said this was a movie about flawed human beings and part of what gives it so much depth is that very nearly every single character in it is flawed, some more so than others. It doesn't try to rationalize or over explain, they simply are. I think there's a certain beauty in that rawness and lack of perfection. Theirs isn't a relationship to aspire to, but it feels real, more real than the pretty fairytales so many of us watch. But in the end there is a hopefulness, I think, however fragile, that they can rise above their flaws to create something beautiful.

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A sense of pervasive restlessness, both gritty and beautiful at the same time

From the synopsis, it may sound like the film is all about how the 2 men navigate and conceal their relationship from Kyouichi’s wife, but that storyline only brushes the tip of the iceberg. It’s clear to me by the 30-minute mark that the synopsis cannot capture the ebbs and flows of the story’s turns.

The film is simultaneously mundane yet eventful at the same time.

The theme of the show revolves around the idea of third parties, with the positions of Kyouichi and Imaguchi constantly shifting in this equation.

Kyouichi flits between women like a moth drawn to a flame, but despite being constantly wanted, the audience gets the sense that these encounters are filled with a profound emptiness. Meanwhile, Imaguchi’s self-professed weakness of constantly running to the person he loves manifests in his desire to constantly be around Kyouichi, even when it tears him apart.

It almost feels like the characters are incapable of being content with their present. There’s a constant anticipation, but we’re not sure what is it they're waiting for.

The 2 hours passes much quicker than I expected, despite the film being filled with a pervasive restlessness. It is both gritty and beautiful at the same time, exposing the weaknesses and insecurities of flawed humans.

Read my review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/07/01/cornered-mouse-dreams-of-cheese-review/

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Expected More from this

This movie was not what I had expected.

I enjoyed the movie. It felt dark, and gritty. I loved the characters, even with all their flaws and insecurities.

The movie is about flawed characters and their tangled life. Which I do not mind, its just that I do not have to like them and/or sympathize with them. The character Imagase is obsessed, a stalker and cajoled his "Love" into having sex. He pushed him to a point where the other guy "Falls" in love with him and longs for him. Otomo repeatedly and continually cheats. He has no respect for anyone else's feelings. I think he is a sociopath. Extremely self-obsessed and emotionally immature. Yes people like these are all around us and in a movie we would like to see the redemption part of such characters. Here I felt that was missing. There was no redemption for Imagase. He is still as obsessed with Otomo as he was before to a point tha he cannot even enjoy sex with someone else, even though he chose to leave Otomo. Otomo appears to have redemption by falling in love with Imagase, which is really unrealistic, cause this is a realistic movie and sociopaths need serious rehabilitation. By loving someone you cannot redeem yourself. There was no serious consequences for the two lead characters, they have treated other people with such disrespect that the movie should have shown some consequences for them. Yes, one can argue that they did not end up together and there was no happy ending. To be honest these two characters cannot be happy together unless they work on their issues. May be at the end the makers wanted to show some glimpse of road to redemption by Otomo, but Imagase was left hanging. All in all it was not a satisfying experience for me to watch this. I am all for movies portraying complex characters who are ruthless and self absorbed. But I am against glorifying them and I think in this movie both these characters were glorified and the director wanted us to sympathize with them. Sorry I could not.

Overall: Its not a movie I would recommend, guess its basically up to you to give it a try.

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A definite must see about relationships

I watched the movie first and then read a few reviews. Again this is not your typical bl type of movie as it has detailed sexual scenes and of course nudity. I myself loved this movie and the rollercoaster of emotions that it brought to the screen with the state of mind of the characters in kyoichi life and how they effected his and imagase well-being.

Imagase was a gay man who looked straight forward into life and knew when he met Kyoichi for the 1st time he fell madly in love. I feel that when they finally meet 8 year later and the progression of there on/off type of love/hate relationship that left him in so much pain was becoming more of an obession that neither could handle.

Kyoichi was a straight man who loved women and sex if you asked him or hinted for sex he would come running. He was married/divorced and had numerous affairs and relationships over the years that he should have ended earlier, but due to his selfishness and being greedy they always ended with the other person in pain. My feelings is that he not affraid of commitment hes afraid of being lonely and doesn't truly understand others emotions & love.

In the end they were just hurting each other by falling into bad patterns of the past, being jeousle and spiteful and again greedy and selfish and wanting more. When they agree to separate it broke my heart to see both of them in pain, but it needed to be done so that they both grow and should find themselves and find true love that needs no more? A beautiful story.
There story is about trust, love and jeousley and why the do and dont work.

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"Dream Cheese" or "Real Cheese" that is the question

"A Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese". A very apt title for a very thought provoking movie. NSFW warning: consensual, but explicit, gay sex scenes and some rear nudity.

There is a sad melancholic, masochistic kind of desperation about all the characters in this movie. They are all very much 'cornered mice dreaming of cheese' but never actually getting any cheese. It becomes clear in the course of the movie that each character's "dream of the cheese" became more important than actual getting of the real 'cheese', and because of that their lives got 'cornered' and limited by clinging to the dream for cheese, instead of the real thing when it came their way.

Kyoichi doesn't really have any deep connections with anyone. When people latch on to him, he has no objections ... easy come, easy go. Some clung to him as a 'lesser suffering' alternative to their lonely single lives ... they said they 'loved' him but did they really? What was the basis for their love for Kyoichi ... is that really love ?? Wataru has the measure of Kyoichi when he tells him, "You'll have anyone who loves you, but ultimately you cannot trust that love, so you sniff out the feelings of whoever comes near you."

To one degree or another I think all the characters who wanted to connect with Kyoichi knew that their dream of 'love' with him was futile ... and yet they persisted anyway. As an oblique response to this kind of grasping, Kyoichi gave Wataru a very poignant question and a statement ... one which I think the whole movie revolves around and is relevant to not just Kyoichi but to all the people who were interested in him:

"What do you want? There are a billion things in life more important than suffering for love."

All the characters got themselves cornered by clinging to their dreams of cheese, to the point that the actual 'cheese' was no longer their objective. When Kyoichi broke off his engagement with Okamura Tamaki, he tells her it is because his Ex came back and that, even though the Ex walked out on him again and probably for good this time, he wanted to wait for him. Kyoichi time and again lets the real cheese go ... and instead holds fast to the 'dream' of cheese instead. Even the last scene at the beach when Wataru comes back ... again ... Kyoichi lets him go with a "sorry". Kyoichi is on an iterative dream loop ... he will never get the taste of real cheese ... and neither will Wataru who ebbs and flows out of Kyoichi's dream of cheese.

Okamura is dreaming of cheese too, and an escape from her real life. She knows Kyoichi isn't the real 'cheese' and yet, despite Kyoichi breaking of the engagement to wait for his Ex to return, she pleads with him, "Can't I stay with you? If she comes back, I will step away quietly." A billion things more important than suffering for a dream of love ... but that is what she chooses ... she too has cornered herself in the dream of cheese that isn't real cheese ... the dream of love that isn't real love at all ... just like a menu isn't the same thing as the food.

Everyone cornered by the dream of cheese ... to one degree or another, at one time or another, we too in our real world can/may get cornered by our own "dreams of cheese" and miss the real cheese when it comes to us front and centre ... it is a situation worth thinking about. Dream away but when the real thing comes ... don't get cornered by the dream, grab the real cheese and run ??‍♂️?

An excellent thought provoking movie ... I am sure the manga would also be just as poignant if not more so.

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Artistic and nudity that is right in your face

This movie is pretty artistic, while the explicit sexuall content is really right in your face, with both sound and nudity that would probably put any porno to shame. So this is not for the underaged viewer (honestly it was almost bit to much bor me, yes I am a an old prude) and I recommend you tern down the volume whenever they seem to be on their way to get naked...

The story is pretty interesting a guy falls/ becomes obsessed with a guy who is so far locked up in the closet he will need allot of cheese to get him out. the guy is also married and seems to be completely unable to be monogamous (witch is okay if everyone is okay with it, but they do not seem to). The guy who is obsessed goes to great lengths/ forces manipulates and does anything in his power to get physical with the guy in the closet. But tho he is literally sexually assaulting his object of obsession you still find your self feeling sorry for him. That could be because the other guy is a complete *****. I do not like how it caters to the idea tht bisexualls and gay men would be horny guys willing to hump just about anybody. But I do like how it shows the difficulty of breaking an obsession, being the underdog in a relationship as well as internalised homophobia. I feel sorry for every single character in this movie (especially the women). I tried to find a line the underdog says about love not being perfect, good or rational but couldn't find it. but whatever he said it was extremely well said.

The cinematography is very beautiful and they use allot of symbolism at times but for the love of whatever you believe in take this as a warning and not as a relationship goal

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Dark mature BL with strong psychological elements, wish it was longer to even better explore those

This movie depicts certainly not a standard BL story. It is dark and gritty with some strong psychological elements. After watching it, I discovered that it is an adaptation of a manga of Setona Mizushiro that I loved to read. It does not fully adapt the whole story but it does a great job taking some of the most interesting elements and putting them together to form a cohesive and captivating story. I think the storytelling would have benefited of a bit more time for some of the developments but overall I was quite satisfied by what the movie achieved, especially in terms of character growth.

I think the chemistry was pretty good between the two main actors. You can feel the intense obsession of one for the other as well as the indecisiveness of the other regarding his feeling for the former. There are numerous sex scenes which all have a purpose in terms of characterization and development of the relationship. Nothing feels gratuitous but it is instead meaningful in regards to the evolution of the protagonists. The actors really went for it and worked very well together, making those scenes raw and really believable.

The production value was good with a lot of little details in the filmmaking allowing the viewer to understand the evolution and change in the relationship, not only because of the script but also even visually through the sets and accessories and how they evolved within them. There was some moments were I felt the editing a bit abrupt, especially jumping between some scenes toward the end, but nothing too distracting for the understanding of the plot. The soundtrack was fitting the dark theme of the film without really being memorable.

I would recommend this to people looking for a mature BL story. It is a dark story involving a lot of heavy topics, toxic elements and it can be triggering in the way the relationship forms itself. If you enjoyed this movie, I would strongly advise to give a chance to the manga from which this movie is an adaptation.

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Melancholy

I have really conflicting feelings about this movie (which arrived in a cinema in my home city, so I watched it on the big screen.)

-- It is very well made indeed -- intentionally dark and melancholy, and very successful at that.
-- The actors did excellent work at portraying the deeply flawed characters and their mixture of gravitational attraction and repulsion.
-- I didn't like the inconclusive ending. Some people like being able to "write their own ending," but I don't. After the fact, reading reviews and comments on this site, I learn that the original manga actually had a happier ending. I think I would have preferred that.
-- The sex scenes were quite explicit, without actually showing the family jewels. I was surprised by that, but it didn't bother me. I do think that the nature of the sex scenes (who was doing what to whom) really conveyed important symbolism about the relationship of the two leads.

As to the characters: in some movies or series, my heart just embraces the characters from the beginning, and I want nothing but the best for them. Even if they are flawed. (like Gao Shi De, in We Best Love). But not these characters -- they are just too flawed, and frankly, unable to draw logical conclusions about themselves. I watch them; I never feel for them.

The moments when my heart rejected the characters were:
a) When Otomo, having left behind the wreckage of several different relationships with women, and having made enough of a commitment to his gay lover that they were living together, decides to pursue another woman to the point of getting engaged to marry her. What kind of idiot would DO that -- I understand people who find truths about themselves after marriage and try to maintain loveless marriages and have affairs on the side, but his marriage had ended and he was a free actor. Actively chasing yet another innocent woman when all his signals had been flashing consistently red for some years? How unfair to her and how untrue to himself!
b) When Imagase, who was so head-over-heels in love that he pursued Otomo for years, finally achieves his heart's desire, and then decides to leave, and throw it all away. It doesn't help that Imagase (despite being a fairly sympathetic character) turns out to be a controlling b**** who trolls through his lover's phone, looking for evidence of affairs.

So the fact that these two ended up not together didn't move me much at all. Ho hum....on to the next pair of drama queens.

I also didn't like at all one of the central philosophical constructs of the film: that there is a "straight world" and a "gay world" and people have to choose which type of person they are and which world they will live in. People are not either/or -- they occupy points on an infinitely-detailed spectrum. Clearly, the film seemed to make a bit of an attempt to convey that the "gay world" trope is a dysfunctional imposition by an overly-rigid society, but then in the end the lead characters seem to buy into it, not challenge it. Bleagh.

Interestingly, the audience in the cinema seemed to be largely female (BL fans, I guess) and I am male. So that fan base may not share some of my reactions to the characters, which are no doubt influenced by the fact that in some ways I have actually lived the "different worlds" trope. But that's why I feel so strongly that it needs to be rejected.

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