Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu

July 7, 2005 | 24 Comments

Okay, I'm back from my holiday and depressed as hell. I've been suffering from some kind of reverse homesickness which actually already started before I even left Japan. This is partly why I haven't written anything in months. I knew that I will miss my friends and Japan terribly once I returned home. But I never expected the reality to be *this* depressing. I want to go back there again. But that's kind of pointless since my friends have also returned to their countries. Anyway, I actually saw this film on a plane that took me to Japan and was impressed by it. This may not be for everyone's taste. But personally, I think this is a simple but well-made film that encourages the viewers to appreciate the time that they have with people who are important to them. As usual, please be aware that the review has few spoilers.

The story begins with a shot of Takumi and his young son, Yuuji, visiting the grave of Mio, their respective wife and mother. While the two pay their respect, one can hear their relatives talking secretly behind their back about how Mio's death happened because she puts too much strain on her already weak body, taking care of her husband and son. Despite this, Takumi and Yuuji seem to lead a happy, functional life except for one thing: Yuuji seems to believe that his mother is now in this place called 'Archive Star' and will be back during rainy season. Although Takumi realises the impossibility of this wish, he doesn't seem to have the heart to correct his son about the painful reality. Or rather, he can't do it because he also secretly hopes that his son's wish will turn into reality. Because of his weak body, Takume feels that he wasn't realiable husband for Mio. Because of this, he wishes that he'll get a chance to make up for it.

The rainy season then arrives (in Japan, this usually comes around June to late July). While on the lookout for an item that Mio supposedly left for Yuuji in a forest, Takumi and his son spots a woman sitting nearby. The woman looks very similar to Mio but she has no recollection of her identity or her past. At first the woman is confused and afraid when Takumi and Yuuji approach her. Nevertheless, she agrees to come with the two to their house. Upon arriving at their house, the woman feels a bit relieved when she sees proofs that she is indeed a part of this family. Having said that, she wants explanation as to why she doesn't have any recollection of being with them. Despite having their own doubts about the woman's identity, Takumi and Yuuji are more than happy to see someone who is so similar to their wife and mother. Because of this, the two simply tells her that during their walk to the forest together, she lost her memory.

Soon enough the woman starts to get used to living with Takumi and Yuuji. She also slowly accepts that she really is Mio, Takumi's wife and Yuuji's mother. During this time, Takumi recounts the story of how he fell in love with Mio and the rather awkward love story the two had. This perfect life, however, is shattered when the woman reads a diary that Yuuji found in the forest. The diary basically informs her about Mio's death, as well as the truth behind the woman's identity. I am not going to spoil anything else after this because doing so will ruin your enjoyment of the film. But in my opinion, the film does a good job of answering the question about the woman's identity as well as connecting her past with Mio's. Some people will probably find the answer a bit out of the ordinary since the story delves a little bit into a paranormal area but I love the unusual simplicity of the answer and the harrowing conclusion that follows after it.

I don't think I can describe why I like the film so much. Come to think of it, similar idea has been used in several other films. However, I think no other film has presented the story as well as this one. I can't seem to stop the waterworks regardless how many times I've seen the film. I really like how the film managed to convince me that these characters really do love each other. I also like that the 'Love' presented in here does not just encompass romantic love but also love for someone who is important to you. The title itself, Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu is a very appropriate description for the film. "Right now, I'm going to meet you" is a good summary of what the characters feel for each other. The title has been loosely translated as 'Be With You' in the English-subtitled version of the film. Although it's not exactly accurate, the title still captures the mood/intention of the characters rather well.

I don't know how other people will react to the film's light twist. I found it to be deceptively simple and yet very moving. The decision that the main character made after finding out the truth is both sad and uplifting. I don't think it's easy to make that kind of decision after knowing the truth and yet the character did it without much hesitation. In a way, I can understand it since given the chance, I'd probably do the same thing. I also like that the shows doesn't dwell so much on seperation. Instead, it asks the viewers to value and remember those short time that you had with the people that you love (in general sense of the word). The point hit me really hard after I left my friends. I think anyone who has been seperated from the people that they love will understand it too. Anyway, the film does requires a slight suspension of disbelief but thankfully the writer is quite capable of turning this difficult task into a brilliant story.

Of course, no plot will be believable if the actors playing the characters are incapable of conveying the stories. Thankfully all of the actors, with the exception of a few minor ones, such as the guy who plays the grown-up version of Yuuji, are very capable. All-around popular actress, Takeuchi Yuuko (Ringu), plays Mio perfectly. One of my favourite scene involving her is the one where her character admits to another woman that while she wants her husband and child to be happy, she can't help but being sad and jealous that she can't be there for them like the other woman can. Takeuchi's performance is complimented by the equally capable, low-key performance from Nakamura Shidou (Death Note), who plays her husband, Takumi. Props should also go to the boy playing Yuuji, Takei Akashi. Yuuji could easily be an annoying character but in Takei's hand, Yuuji turns into a child whose spirit has to be admired.

The film also boasts a very good soundtrack. A BGM titled Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu was played towards the end and it precisely conveys the sad/uplifting duality of the revelation scenes. Equally good is Orange Range's ending theme for the film, Hana. Combined together, both songs make the film's even more powerful than it could have been. The film is now available on DVD with English subtitles for those who want to see it. I've heard a rumour that a remake is already on the work with Jennifer Garner as the main character. I am a bit annoyed and amused at the same time because I always thought that Karen Miyama, the actress who plays Takumi's office colleague looks a bit like Selma Blair. But I don't know why they should remake it when the original is really good and can just be subtitled and released in cinemas. Either way, if you're interested, you should really see this version first before seeing the remake.

© memento 2003