Always

A devoted husband, Kashiwagi, who secretly harbors a terminal illness, goes to extreme lengths to ensure his wife, Saeko, experiences happiness even after his death. He dedicates his remaining time to fulfilling her desires and creating cherished memories, all while battling his own mortality and the fear of leaving her behind. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the poignant beauty of life's fleeting moments.

Takeshi Kitano's 'Always' is a departure from his usual crime dramas, offering a deeply emotional and visually stunning exploration of love and loss. Critics praised its tender portrayal of a couple facing insurmountable odds, highlighting the performances and Kitano's unique directorial touch in crafting a bittersweet, albeit somber, cinematic experience. While some found its sentimentality occasionally overwhelming, the film was largely seen as a mature and moving work.

• Praised for its emotional depth and beautiful cinematography.
• A touching, if melancholic, story about love and sacrifice.
• Kitano's gentle direction offers a different side to his filmmaking.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's emotional impact and the heartfelt performances, finding it a moving and memorable story about love and devotion. Some viewers noted its somber tone, but the overall sentiment was positive, with many recommending it for its touching narrative.

The film's original title in Japanese is "Akanezora" (茜空), which translates to "Scarlet Sky" or "Crimson Sky," referencing the color of the sky during sunset, often associated with themes of beauty and ephemerality.