First Love

A young boxer, unable to remember his past due to a head injury, meets a terminally ill woman and they find an unexpected connection. However, their budding romance is threatened by a dark conspiracy involving yakuza, corrupt police, and a mysterious assassin. The film weaves together their fragile love story with a violent underworld struggle.

Takashi Miike's 'First Love' is a vibrant, kinetic, and often brutal crime-romance that garnered mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised its stylish direction, energetic pacing, and blend of dark humor with genuine emotion, though some found its plot convoluted and its violence excessive.

• Praised for its stylistic flair and energetic direction characteristic of Miike.

• Noted for its effective mix of quirky romance and brutal, over-the-top violence.

• Some critics found the narrative somewhat chaotic but appreciated its unique energy.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally appreciate the film's unique blend of genres, with many highlighting its distinctive visual style and entertaining, albeit violent, storyline. Some viewers found the plot a bit confusing at times, but the overall sentiment is positive for its eccentric charm and Miike's signature directorial approach.

Nominated for the Directors' Fortnight award at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.

The film's screenplay was originally developed by Takashi Miike over a decade before its production, with the director initially envisioning it as a musical.