Yoru TukumoDo you remember the promise we made 10 years ago? "We said we'd get married when we turned 25." I have a boyfriend, and you have a girlfriend. But, if we have a reunion like this, destined as it seems… I've started to believe in fate. Hey… don't you want to go to that place? I want to confirm the rest of the story at the place where we made the promise.
I cried my eyes out for the first time ever. I wiped my nose and tears with a tissue. The tearful expression in the final scene... it conveyed the pure emotion of never being able to see a loved one again so painfully. It made me want to watch Japanese films just for the acting. It was a wonderful work that reminded me of the intense pure love of my teenage years.
This film really showcases director Masaki's knack for bringing out natural performances from his actors. It's a story about two childhood friends who reconnect after 10 years, both already in relationships, but find their old first love rekindling. Following them as they revisit nostalgic spots, trying to resolve unfinished business and run away together... the ending really makes you think about the video letter and how it encapsulates their journey and Aya's current feelings.
It's probably the acting, and good casting is typical for director Minato Masaki, but is this not a pure romance that transcends the adult video genre? The quality is good enough to be shown in theaters, that's my impression just from the sample. I was getting tired of NTR and scandalous sex. I wish they'd explore more of this 'textbook' sex where two people are genuinely attracted to each other. It's a good thing there's a female director in the industry. I hope she writes more pure romances that even kids could watch.
Ayachan is incredibly cute, and the male actor is handsome too – they're a truly perfect couple. I don't like orgies, I love these one-on-one date settings, so I really enjoyed the sweet scenes that continue for a while at the beginning. The actors are all highly skilled, so the dialogue feels natural, and the various scenes are captured with a beautiful visual style unique to a female director, making it feel like I was watching a regular romance drama. The fact that they're not lovers, but childhood friends, is just so bittersweet.
A promise made in school: 'If we're both single at 25, let's get married.' Ten years later, they meet again by chance, but they're both already in relationships. Kamiki-san's portrayal of the girl who still wants to fulfill that promise is so natural and realistic, it really draws you into the story. Watching her genuinely laugh and enjoy herself, you start to feel like you want Kamiki-san herself to be happy. This bittersweet tale is a must-watch.
