Movie spotlight
Kimini horeteru
Shogo is a street musician who doesn't sell well. However, he dreams of one day making a major debut, and continues to sing around town today while earning money through part-time appearances in gay AVs. Shogo has a girlfriend named Yusuke who he lives with, and Yusuke supports Shogo's dreams. One day, Shogo met Kohei for the first time in a while at a class reunion. During high school, Shogo and Kohei, who had the goal of becoming a top-class architect, often talked about their dreams. The two were best friends, but in reality, Shogo was secretly in love with Kohei. After reuniting with Kohei, Shogo regains the dream he had almost lost and is working hard to create music again. However, Shogo receives word that Kohei has fallen ill with acute leukemia.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a near-future Tokyo, a shy young woman named Gya-o is infatuated with her colleague, a mysterious and melancholic man named Kenji. Gya-o is an alien who has come to Earth to study humans and has taken on a human form, her true self being a large, amoeba-like creature. Kenji, however, harbors a dark secret of his own, struggling with a disease that is slowly consuming him. As their unusual relationship develops, they navigate the complexities of human emotions, connection, and the fear of impending loss.
Critical Reception
Kiyoshi Kurosawa's 'Kimini horeteru' (also known as 'License to Live' or 'Lovers') is a distinctive and unconventional science-fiction romance. Critics often praised its unique premise, Kurosawa's signature atmospheric direction, and the poignant performances from its lead actors. However, its slow pace and abstract themes sometimes divided audiences, making it a film more appreciated for its artistic merit than its mainstream appeal.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its surreal and dreamlike atmosphere.
Noted for its unique exploration of love and loneliness.
Some found the narrative pacing to be too deliberate and abstract.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film's title, 'Kimini horeteru,' translates to 'I'm crazy about you' in Japanese, reflecting the central theme of obsessive or unconventional love.
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