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>[!Warning]
>This recommendation list is based entirely on my personal opinions and is not professional or official in any way. <br>
>I’ll continue updating it as I keep watching more movies.

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**MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS**
[TOC]
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## ★★★

### Your Name

* **TITLE :** Your Name (2016)
* **GENRE :** Coming-of-Age / Romance / Fantasy
* **RUNTIME :** 110 minutes
* **SCORE :** 9.8
* **LANGUAGE :** Japanese

:::spoiler **[ SYNOPSIS ]**
*Your Name* follows the mysterious connection between two teenagers. Mitsuha, a high school girl living in a rural town, and Taki, a boy in bustling Tokyo. One day, they begin waking up in each other’s bodies, randomly swapping lives. As they navigate the challenges of this strange phenomenon, they form a deep bond, despite never having met in person.

However, just as they uncover the meaning behind their connection, the body-swapping suddenly stops. Taki, driven by a powerful sense of loss and curiosity, sets out to find Mitsuha—only to discover a shocking truth that transcends time and space.
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:::spoiler **[ MY THOUGHTS ]**
*Your Name* is a breathtaking journey full of twists and turns that hit you out of nowhere—one moment you're smiling, the next you're holding back tears. But when you look back, everything falls perfectly into place, like pieces of a puzzle you didn't even realize were scattered.

Makoto Shinkai’s films rarely miss the mark, and *Your Name* is no exception. It's a touching, slightly complex story with one of the most memorable plot twists I’ve ever seen in a movie. That turning point is hands down my favorite of any film's plot twist. The storyline is incredibly unique, and the way it unfolds is masterful, keeping you emotionally invested and constantly surprised.

This film has stunning visuals and a well-written storyline. I find myself rewatching this film multiple times, and not once did I not tear up. Every frame is rich with detail, color, and emotion. The animation brings even the smallest moments to life, from the glow of twilight to the quiet stillness of a countryside morning. The music complements the visuals and narrative perfectly, intensifying every emotional beat.

If you ever need to write a reflection or review for a movie, this movie is honestly perfect—there’s so much depth to explore. Highly, highly recommended.
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### Inside Out

* **TITLE :** Inside Out (2015)
* **GENRE :** Coming-of-Age / Adventure / Comedy / Drama
* **RUNTIME :** 95 minutes
* **SCORE :** 9.2
* **LANGUAGE :** English

:::spoiler **[ SYNOPSIS ]**
*Inside Out* is an animated film that explores the complex emotions of an 11-year-old girl named Riley as she navigates a major life change—moving from her hometown to a new city. The story takes place mostly inside Riley’s mind, where five emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—guide her thoughts and actions. Joy tries to keep everything positive, but when Sadness accidentally alters Riley’s core memories, the two are swept away on a journey through the vast world of her mind.

*Inside Out* is a powerful, imaginative film that blends humor, emotion, and psychological insight. It’s a thoughtful and moving story about growing up, dealing with change, and embracing the full range of human emotions.
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:::spoiler **[ MY THOUGHTS ]**
Although *Inside Out* is an animated film made for children, it moved me deeply when I watched it as a teenager. Its portrayal of how we grow up, how our memories shape who we are, and how not all core memories are rooted in happiness struck me profoundly. The film offers such a special way of understanding emotions, especially the importance of sadness, that it speaks to audiences of all ages.

One scene that especially stayed with me was when Riley's emotions shut down after she decided to run away from home. It was such a powerful and real moment. It reminded me how overwhelming life can feel when you're growing up and struggling to understand your own emotions. That silence inside her mind perfectly captured the emotional numbness we sometimes feel when facing difficult thoughts.

After watching it, I found myself reflecting deeply on life. It helped me realize that the most meaningful moments in life aren't necessarily the happiest ones. Often, it's the bittersweet, complicated memories—ones that blend sadness, love, fear, and hope—that truly define us. *Inside Out* beautifully conveys the message that every emotion has value, and it's through embracing all of them that we grow.
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## ★★

### Coco

* **TITLE :** Coco (2017)
* **GENRE :** Adventure / Fantasy / Family
* **RUNTIME :** 105 minutes
* **SCORE :** 8.8
* **LANGUAGE :** English / Spanish

:::spoiler **[ SYNOPSIS ]**
*Coco* is a heartwarming animated film that follows the story of Miguel, a young boy in Mexico who dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family’s generations-old ban on music. On Day of the Dead, Miguel accidentally finds himself transported to the Land of the Dead, a vibrant and magical world where ancestors live. As Miguel searches for his great-great-grandfather, he learned the importance of family, remembrance, and identity.

*Coco* is a visually stunning and emotional film that celebrates Mexican culture, traditions, and the importance of honoring our loved ones. It’s a story about following your dreams while never forgetting where you come from.
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:::spoiler **[ MY THOUGHTS ]**
*Coco* is one of the most heartwarming films I’ve ever seen. It reminds me of the importance of family and remembering those who came before us. The story is touching and sincere, leaving behind a warm, lingering feeling long after the credits roll. The plot twist isn’t too surprising. The real power of the film lies in its sincerity, its strong characters, and its ability to evoke genuine emotion.

One of the most special things about *Coco* is how it introduces viewers, especially younger audiences, to Mexican culture and the traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It presents the idea of death not as something terrifying, but as a continuation of love and memory. It’s a wonderful, age-appropriate way to help children understand themes of loss and remembrance.

The song “Remember Me” is incredibly moving. No matter how many times I watch it, the ending always brings tears to my eyes. That final scene never fails to hit me right in the heart.

Although I still haven’t experienced the loss of close ones, there is one YouTuber I look up to, Technoblade. He passed away at the age of 23 from cancer, his career had just started to boom, hitting 10 million subscribers. This movie helped me overcome the loss of this kindhearted YouTuber.
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### 那些年，我們一起追的女孩

* **TITLE :** 那些年，我們一起追的女孩 (2011)
* **GENRE :** Coming-of-Age / Romance / Drama / Comedy
* **RUNTIME :** 105 minutes
* **SCORE :** 8.5
* **LANGUAGE :** Mandarin

:::spoiler **[ SYNOPSIS ]**
Set in 1990s Taiwan, *You Are the Apple of My Eye* follows the story of Ko Ching-Teng, a mischievous high school student, and his relationship with a smart and well-behaved Shen Chia-Yi. Despite their personalities, they develop a close and complicated bond.

As the years go by, the film captures the bittersweet of growing up—the laughter, the heartbreak, the missed chances, and the tender moments of youth.
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:::spoiler **[ MY THOUGHTS ]**
*You Are the Apple of My Eye* is the film that made me cry hard. It touched me deeply because it portrays a beautiful and pure form of love, also its plot is in Taiwan, making it even more heartwarming for me. It’s not dramatic or over-the-top—it’s raw, sincere, and real.

The story captures the essence of teenagers, the excitement of love, the awkwardness, the missed chances, and the silent feelings we never quite know how to express. The relationship between the two main characters feels incredibly genuine, like something many of us have experienced but never fully understood until we saw it reflected at us through this film. Their dynamic is sometimes childish, sometimes sweet, and always full of unspoken emotions.

There’s a particular turning point in the story that struck me—it’s painful but powerful. The way the film builds up to that moment and reveals it is beautifully done, making everything that came before feel even more meaningful. It doesn’t rely on clichés, but instead lets the emotion grow naturally, scene by scene, until it quietly breaks your heart.

This is a story about a love that may not have lasted forever, but was unforgettable because of how real and unfiltered it was. *You Are the Apple of My Eye* isn’t just a normal coming-of-age film. It’s a reminder that even if some people only stay in our lives for a while, the feelings they leave behind can last a lifetime.
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### Young Hearts

* **TITLE :** Young Hearts (2024)
* **GENRE :** Coming-of-Age / Romance / Drama
* **RUNTIME :** 97 minutes
* **SCORE :** 8.3
* **LANGUAGE :** Dutch / French

:::spoiler **[ SYNOPSIS ]**
*Young Hearts* follows a teenager, Elias, as he navigates the complexities of first love. His world shifted when a new student moved in next door, Alexander, an outgoing and confident boy. As their friendship deepens, Elias grapples with new feelings he has never experienced before, leading him on a journey of self-discovery.
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:::spoiler **[ MY THOUGHTS ]**
*Young Hearts* is a visually stunning and emotionally tender film that captures the beauty and vulnerability of first love. Every frame feels like a painting—even the simplest shots, like a box of cherries—conveying a sense of intimacy. These visuals do more than just look beautiful, they mirror Elias’s quiet internal world as he begins to navigate unfamiliar feelings.

What makes *Young Hearts* truly special is how authentically it portrays the purity, confusion, and intensity of young love. Watching Elias, you can feel his unbalance and longing, the subtle moments of connection. There’s something incredibly sweet and refreshing about the way he and his love interest interact, so much so that I’d catch myself smiling throughout, reminded of the innocence and thrill of my own first love. At the same time, the emotional weight Elias carries is deeply compelling. The feelings he experiences hit hard, and watching him struggle through them is quite painful.

I wasn’t particularly fond of the ending. It felt a bit too neat, as if everything fell into place a little too quickly and perfectly. It lacked the realism that made the rest of the film so powerful. Still, *Young Hearts* will give a weird aftertaste. It's a delicate, beautifully crafted film that captures the essence of first love—the joy, the uncertainty, and the ache—and reminds us just how unforgettable it can be.
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## ★

### Big Hero 6

* **TITLE :** Big Hero 6 (2014)
* **GENRE :** Adventure / Fantasy / Drama
* **RUNTIME :** 102 minutes
* **SCORE :** 7.9
* **LANGUAGE :** English

:::spoiler **[ SYNOPSIS ]**
*Big Hero 6* is a science fiction film from Disney that follows the story of Hiro, a 14-year-old robotics prodigy living in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo. After a tragic accident, Hiro forms a bond with Baymax, a gentle and caring healthcare robot that Tadashi created. While coping with his loss, Hiro discovers a sinister plot involving a masked villain who is using stolen microbot technology, originally invented by Hiro himself.
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:::spoiler **[ MY THOUGHTS ]**
When I watched *Big Hero 6*, I expected a fun superhero story—but I didn’t expect it to move me so deeply. What stayed with me wasn’t just the action—it was the emotional depth, especially Hiro’s journey through grief after losing his brother.

I have a brother too, and when I imagine losing him, it hurts more than I can put into words. That scene where Hiro tries to take out Baymax’s healthcare chip out of anger—hitting him and yelling, “He’s gone”—hit me hard. It was such a raw, honest reaction to pain. And then, seeing the video of Tadashi again, smiling and full of hope, made it even more heartbreaking.

The film does a great job of showing how grief can twist into anger and isolation. Hiro doesn’t know how to handle what he’s feeling, so he throws himself into building weapons and chasing revenge. That really resonated with me. Sometimes, when you’re hurting, it feels easier to stay busy or lash out than to face your emotions. *Big Hero 6* is a great movie for children to watch, showing how grief and anger can change someone, and how to cope with them.
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### Wonder

* **TITLE :** Wonder (2017)
* **GENRE :** Coming-of-Age / Family / Drama
* **RUNTIME :** 113 minutes
* **SCORE :** 7.7
* **LANGUAGE :** English

:::spoiler **[ SYNOPSIS ]**
*Wonder* follows the story of August, a young boy born with a facial defect that has made it difficult for him to interact with people. When August starts fifth grade at a new school, he faces challenges from bullying and social isolation, but he also finds friendship, courage, and acceptance.

The movie explores themes of kindness, empathy, and the importance of seeing beyond appearances to the heart within. It’s a heartfelt story about overcoming hardships and the power of compassion.
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:::spoiler **[ MY THOUGHTS ]**
*Wonder* is truly touching and makes you reflect on how we view people who are different from us. It’s a “wonder” to watch. Especially suitable for children, as it teaches important lessons about kindness and acceptance.

The story follows August, a young boy with facial differences, as he navigates the challenges of society. Although most people may never fully experience what August feels, the film allows us to understand his awkwardness and emotional struggles.

Watching this movie reminded me of my own elementary years. I wasn’t like August—I was more like the “others” in the film. Sometimes, just because someone was different, it was hard to know how to treat them or how to relate to them. Wonder encourages us to look beyond appearances and embrace others with empathy and compassion. It’s a powerful reminder that everyone deserves kindness, no matter how they look.
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### Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

* **TITLE :** Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
* **GENRE :** Adventure / Fantasy / Comedy
* **RUNTIME :** 102 minutes
* **SCORE :** 7.4
* **LANGUAGE :** English

:::spoiler **[ SYNOPSIS ]**
This 2.5D animation follows the hero, Puss in Boots, an initially arrogant cat who has recklessly wasted eight of his nine lives. Facing the reality of death, Puss goes on an epic journey to find the Last Wish, a magical artifact that can make any wish come true.

*Puss in Boots: The Last Wish* is a lighthearted, cartoonish animation that delivers a narrative that is funny and heartwarming. It dives into themes of friendship, mortality, and the importance of cherishing the present. It's a reminder that powerful storytelling can come in unexpected packages.
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:::spoiler **[ MY THOUGHTS ]**
Who would have thought that a sequel to an old *Shrek* spin-off could deliver such a profound and meaningful experience? *Puss in Boots: The Last Wish* took me by surprise—not just with its beautiful animation and hilarious humor, but with the depth of its themes.

The film dives into many topics of life. It made me reflect on what I truly value—what I’m chasing, what I’ve already been given, and what I may have overlooked. It reminds me that while ambition and desire push us forward, it’s just as important to pause and appreciate the journey we've taken to get here.

One of the film’s strengths is its ensemble of “villains.” Instead of falling into cliché, each antagonist is layered, memorable, and even likable in their own way. They represent different sides of human desire—greed, fear of death, longing for control, or simply the need for love. And yet, the film balances these heavier themes with humor and charm, making the experience not overly dark or heavy.

I really like this movie, and I recommend it to other teenagers. *Puss in Boots: The Last Wish* is funny, well animated, and educational for young adults. It will leave you reflecting on what you value in life after finishing the movie.
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