Nana 2 : 3 of 5

I really like the first Nana movie, so I was definitely interested in seeing this sequel, regardless of the so-so reviews I had read, so I bought this DVD soon after it was released. I was also a little worried about all the cast changes - I've never heard of a sequel where so many main characters are played by different actors! The new Hachi isn't as cute as the original, but she's still a great actress and does a fine job of crying and showing emotion. I didn't really like the new Ren, since he just didn't seem compassionate at all, but the new Shin seemed like a much better match to the manga character to me. The plot was really interesting, since it went way past the point that I've read in the manga (since Shojo Beat stopped running it), and things get really intense with some dramatic love entanglements, emotional emptiness, and even surprise pregnancy! Although the first movie is better overall, I thought Nana 2 really expressed some points skillfully, such as how both girls inspire each other in their own way. Hachi (like all of us at some point) is looking for something be passionate about in life, which is a quality she admires in the other Nana. Ultimately, she finds understanding in another "empty" person (Takumi), but eventually the movie ends on a fairly positive note. I didn't think the music was as cool this time around, although the big Black Stones debut concert was awesome and full of energy! Now that I've seen both movies, I really want to read the entire manga, which means I want to start over again from the beginning. I guess I better finish one of the other series I'm reading first!