Let's Eat Together, Aki and Haru: More Please! – Movie Review

Aki and Haru are best friends who have lived together for several years. Both share their rental home with Chief Penguin, a doll they jokingly call their mascot. Aki is a skilled chef and takes the lead in cooking meals. Haru is less experienced in the kitchen, although he has recently started helping with food prep. The two friends cherish their mealtimes together, enjoying casual chats, playful jokes, and each other's company.

Aki and Haru are university seniors preparing for graduation. Both are focused on their job searches. Since Aki dreams of working in product design, he applies for a position at a home decor retailer. Aki feels slightly nervous about standing out because of his dyed hair. Yet, he refuses to change it, wanting to find a company that accepts him as he is. Haru supports his friend throughout the process. He helps Aki prepare and cheers for him during the interview day.

Haru is an aspiring photographer struggling with his job search. The field is highly competitive, and full-time positions are scarce. He has been working a part-time video editing gig, and his client recently offered him a stable full-time role after graduation. While the offer provides security, it is not in his dream field. Haru is torn between pursuing photography and settling for video editing. Aki notices his friend's conflict and feels worried about him. Aki does his best to stay optimistic and cheer up Haru.

For years, Aki and Haru assumed they would continue living together after graduation. However, with limited job opportunities nearby, they may have to relocate to different cities. After years of being inseparable, the thought of living apart feels overwhelming. Neither wants to address it, but the situation pushes them to question their relationship. Aki and Haru must explore what their feelings truly mean.

Let's Eat Together, Aki and Haru: More Please is a delightful sequel that captures the charm of the original story. The movie quickly settles into a familiar rhythm, reacquainting us with the two lovable leads. Their cozy friendship and warm personalities remind me of everything I adored about the first film. Most importantly, Let's Eat Together, Aki and Haru 2 hasn't lost its sense of playfulness. The characters are still as goofy as ever, and I find myself smiling at the jokes or banter throughout the narrative.

The movie balances its silliness with serious plots about Aki and Haru's job search. Haru struggles to pick between a practical career and his photography dreams, while Aki must make significant changes for work. The film handles each character arc gently, depicting the realistic challenges of two young adults preparing for life after graduation. Even though the story may have funny antics, it also feels down to earth. Let's Eat Together, Aki and Haru is careful about never letting the conflicts disrupt the relaxing vibe. While there may be a little tension, it never turns too stressful.

Aki's actor (Ryotaro Akazawa) is super perky with his animated expressions and infectious enthusiasm. He shines in comedic scenes, delivering the movie's jokes with ease. His co-star (Kensuke Takahashi) has a calm and steady presence that makes Haru's character seem like an ordinary guy. Both share a familiar chemistry that strengthens their on-screen friendship. Compared to the first film, Let's Eat Together, Aki and Haru 2 includes more dramatic storylines. These heavier moments can challenge the two leads, who work better with the lighthearted material.

Let's Eat Together, Aki and Haru: More Please teases more BL content than the first movie. The two best friends share touchy-feely moments, like Haru buttoning Aki's shirt or Aki placing a hand on Haru's thigh. These suggestive interactions may have you questioning their platonic bond. Fortunately, the movie beats its gaybaiting allegations by turning the ambiguous friendship into an actual romance. It acknowledges Aki and Haru's attraction instead of only implying they have a close relationship. I appreciate getting direct confirmation that they are interested in each other.

Despite establishing Aki and Haru's feelings, the movie remains very timid in portraying their romance. Don't expect the couple to kiss or share much physical affection. Even after the confession, this simple love story still lacks depth. Instead of embracing the gay themes, it treads lightly and leaves a lot unspoken. The film spends more time on casual chats or playful interactions rather than developing the relationship meaningfully. The most iconic BL couples win our hearts with emotionally rich journeys, whereas Aki and Haru don't seem complex by comparison.

Let's Eat Together, Aki and Haru: More Please has a happy ending as the couple plans their future together. The last few scenes show them laughing, goofing around, and sharing hearty meals. Their interactions seem sweet and genuine, reminding me how much I adore their characters. The sentimental side of me is glad they'll be in each other's lives forever. Overall, Let's Eat Together, Aki and Haru 2 is a feel-good movie, which I liked more than the first film. While the love story is too ordinary and not particularly memorable, it still leaves me with positive vibes.