Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2013

I know what you’re thinking: Japan couldn’t possibly make yet another romantic drama about a damaged woman who learns to love again, could they? (You were thinking that right?) Well, yes—it could. Toho’s newest “blockbuster,” Kiyoku Yawaku, is based on the 13-volume manga by Ryo Ikuemi. Given the book sold 2.95 million copies, Toho might be right in thinking they have a market for this schlock. Add to that new Japanese superstar actress Masami Nagasawa and you have the building blocks of a boho box office. Kanna (Nagasawa) lost her high school sweetheart to a terrifying car accident and has been unable to love ever since. Jump eight years into the future and enter Roku (Masaki Okada), a handsome and passionate young man who falls for Kanna and will do anything to win her. The flick hits on all the familiar points and suggests a version of the tired “pure love” (“How does he know what I’m feeling?”). Can she heal enough to embrace love? You guess. (127 min.)