Movie: Love At Least (English title)
Romaji: Ikiteru Dake de, Ai
Japanese: 生きてるだけで、愛
Director: Kosai Sekine
Writer: Yukiko Motoya (novel), Kosai Sekine
Actors: Shuri, Masaki Suda, Riisa Naka
I consider myself a happy person, and I would like to think that I've never been depressed my entire life. This movie though, made me feel what it's like to have clinical depression. It felt like a quicksand was swallowing me, and there is no getting out. The recurring blackout scene didn't help at all. It was like the most honest portrayal of depression and mental illness I've ever seen.
The whole atmosphere vibe is extremely dark throughout the movie. Not horror-like vibe though more like melancholic vibe. The cinematography is distinctive, atmospheric rather than entertaining. It's also symbolic like a visual narrative; hence, the plot seems dry and uneventful. Soundtrack resonates with the image, drifting into the life and mind of our main protagonist.
Acting is terrific. The main lead Shuri is very believable, as well as Suda. If you want to know why critics considered Masaki Suda as one of the best younger Japanese actors, then you should see this movie. It is not because of his popularity, but because of the respect, he gained from festival judges around the world. You should watch him in a non-mainstream and more subtle role. No more shouting here lol, his acting is not always animated, he can act subtly when needed.
Do I recommend it? Yes, of course, because the ending is very positive and beautiful. You will learn so much from it.
Life is not simple. People deal with stress, and some even suffer from clinical depression. Happiness may be elusive but not entirely impossible. Sometimes we need someone to show us kindness and compassion.
"If nothing saves us from death,
at least love should save us from life."
-Pablo Neruda
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