Asako I & II 2019
Directed by
Ryûsuke Hamaguchi
Made by
Bitters End
Plot Summary
Asako, a young woman residing in Osaka, encounters a magical feeling of love at first sight when she meets Baku. Their relationship takes off in a whirlwind, much to the chagrin of Asako’s friend, who warns her that Baku might end up hurting her. After a passionate night spent at Baku’s place, Asako awakens to find him gone. It’s revealed that Baku has a habit of disappearing unexpectedly, a tendency that began after his father passed away. When he reappears, they share a tender moment, with Baku promising Asako that he will always return to her. However, in a poignant voice-over, we learn that he vanishes once more, leaving them out of touch.
Fast forward two years: Asako has relocated to Tokyo and is now working at a coffee shop. Here, she meets Ryohei, a businessman affiliated with a nearby sake company. Strikingly similar in appearance to Baku, Ryohei catches Asako off guard, leading her to mistakenly greet him as Baku. After a few hesitant exchanges, she realizes he is not the same person. Ryohei grows curious about Asako’s peculiar behavior, but it isn’t until one chance encounter—aiding her friend to get into an art show—that he begins to unravel more about her.
As they stop for coffee post-show, Asako abruptly leaves, prompting her friend to suggest Ryohei invite someone along for dinner—a blind date for Asako. Enamored by her, Ryohei finds a friend to bring, discovering along the way that Asako’s pal is involved in a production of Chekhov’s The Sea Gull. Their friends engage in a playful dispute about acting techniques, but eventually, they all sit down for dinner together. Captivated by Asako, Ryohei persists in charming her until he finally succeeds in winning her heart.
Five years later, Asako and Ryohei enjoy a loving cohabitation. But one day, news reaches Asako that Baku has transformed into a famous actor and model. Gathering the strength to confide in Ryohei, she reveals that her initial attraction to him stemmed from his resemblance to Baku. Demonstrating a graceful understanding, Ryohei helps her find closure. Yet, the unexpected happens—Baku suddenly appears at her apartment with plans to return the following day. Later that night, he crashes a celebratory dinner for Asako and Ryohei, requesting that Asako leave Ryohei mid-meal.
Asako realizes her feelings for Baku are entangled and decides to go with him, leaving Ryohei distraught. They embark northward to Baku’s family home, which remains empty during the season. Throughout the journey, Asako comes to terms with the fact that her decision to choose Baku over Ryohei was superficial. Ultimately, Asako returns to Ryohei, only to find that he is unwilling to accept her back. In a bittersweet resolution, both acknowledge the emotional damage inflicted; Asako has hurt Ryohei too deeply, which may forever compromise his ability to trust her again.
Timeline
First Encounter
Asako meets Baku in Osaka, feeling an immediate connection that evokes the feeling of love at first sight. Their chemistry develops quickly into a passionate relationship, despite Asako's friend's concerns about Baku's unpredictable nature.
The Night Together
After an exhilarating night spent together at Baku's place, Asako wakes up to find him mysteriously gone. This moment foreshadows Baku's tendency to disappear, which has stemmed from his struggles after his father's death.
Baku's Disappearance
Baku returns to Asako, reaffirming his feelings for her and promising that he will always come back to her. However, shortly after, he vanishes once more, leaving Asako longing and distressed by this emotional rollercoaster.
A Move to Tokyo
Two years later, Asako relocates to Tokyo and begins working in a coffee shop. This change marks a significant shift in her life as she tries to move on from her feelings for Baku.
Meeting Ryohei
At her new job, Asako meets Ryohei, a businessman who closely resembles Baku. This encounter stirs mixed emotions in Asako, as she inadvertently greets him as Baku, only to realize the misunderstanding moments later.
Uncovering Asako's Past
Ryohei becomes intrigued by Asako's odd behavior, especially after a chance meeting at an art show where they delve into her story. This event serves as a turning point for Ryohei, as he seeks to understand her better.
Dinner Date Setup
Following their interactions, Ryohei’s friend suggests inviting Asako on a blind date for dinner, to help her open up socially. Ryohei is eager to know her better and starts preparing to charm Asako.
Friendship and Chemistry
During dinner with their friends, playful arguments about acting techniques emerge, creating an engaging atmosphere. Ryohei focuses on Asako throughout the evening, successfully capturing her heart with his persistence.
Living Together
Five years later, Asako and Ryohei have established a loving home together, reveling in their relationship's warmth. However, Asako receives unexpected news about Baku becoming a renowned actor.
Confession
In a moment of vulnerability, Asako confides in Ryohei about her lingering feelings for Baku, revealing that her attraction to Ryohei initially stemmed from his resemblance to Baku. Ryohei responds with understanding, supporting her quest for closure.
Baku's Return
Baku makes a sudden appearance at Asako's apartment, announcing his intent to return the next day. His surprise visit reignites old feelings, setting the stage for difficult choices ahead.
Crashing the Dinner
Baku unexpectedly shows up during a celebratory dinner for Asako and Ryohei, urging Asako to leave Ryohei mid-meal. This moment becomes a pivotal choice point for Asako, straining her relationship with Ryohei.
Journey North
After choosing to leave Ryohei, Asako travels with Baku to his family home, reflecting on her complicated feelings. The emptiness of the house symbolizes the unresolved emotions that continue to plague her.
Realization of Superficial Love
On the journey, Asako confronts her feelings, realizing that choosing Baku over Ryohei was driven by superficial reasons rather than genuine love. This leads her to a deeper understanding of herself and the consequences of her decisions.
Bittersweet Resolution
In a poignant conclusion, Asako attempts to return to Ryohei, only to discover he cannot accept her back. Both acknowledge the emotional damage caused by her choices, highlighting the complexity of love and trust.
Characters
Asako (Erika Karata)
Asako is a young woman navigating the complexities of love after being profoundly affected by her past relationship with Baku. Her evolution from a girl infatuated with fleeting love to a woman seeking deeper meaning demonstrates her internal struggle. Asako's journey highlights the difficulty of reconciling her feelings for two very different men.
Baku (Masahiro Higashide)
Baku is portrayed as a free-spirited and elusive character, whose abrupt disappearances add a layer of mystery to his persona. His charm and deep connection with Asako capture her heart but also represent the emotional turmoil of an unresolved relationship. Baku's transformation into a famous actor serves as a stark contrast to his initial carefree demeanor.
Ryohei (Masahiro Higashide)
Ryohei is a compassionate and persistent man who falls for Asako despite her ties to Baku. His dedication to understanding Asako's complexity and charm reflects his depth as a character. Ryohei's journey illustrates the challenges of love, especially when faced with the ghost of an ex-lover.
Setting
Time period
Contemporary
The events of the movie unfold in contemporary Japan, a time marked by rapid societal changes and evolving relationships. It depicts the complexities of modern love, showcasing how personal feelings and historical trauma intersect to affect individuals profoundly.
Location
Osaka, Tokyo
Osaka is a vibrant city in Japan known for its modern architecture and rich food culture. It is a bustling metropolis where people navigate the complexities of life, love, and ambition. Tokyo, another major city, is renowned for its blend of tradition and innovation, creating a rich backdrop for Asako's journey as she seeks to reconcile her past and present.
Themes
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Love & Heartbreak
The film explores the intensity of love and the inevitable heartbreak that often accompanies it. Asako's connections with both Baku and Ryohei illustrate the conflicting emotions that arise from past relationships and the struggle to find true happiness. The theme emphasizes the challenge of moving on while still being haunted by first love.
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Identity & Change
Asako's journey reflects the exploration of personal identity in the face of change. The contrasting characters of Baku and Ryohei symbolize different aspects of Asako's past and present, leading her to confront what she truly desires. The theme delves into how relationships shape our understanding of self and the difficult choices we face along the way.
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