As Long As We Both Shall Live (Watashi no shiawasena Kekkon)
Directed by Ayuko Tsukahara
Official selection
Toronto Japanese Film Festival 2023
Director
Ayuko Tsukahara
Writer
Tomoe Kanno
Cast
Ren Meguro, Mio Imada
contact
KADOKAWA CORPORATION
Official website
In a fantastical version of 19th-century Japan… a girl scorned. Eldest daughter of the respected Saimori clan, whose supernatural talents have protected humankind from demonic entities called “Aberrations” for generations on end, Miyo was born without any powers. After her mother’s untimely death, she was reduced to servitude by an abusive stepmother and golden-child stepsister until she finally came of age, only to learn that she would be married off to a ruthless military commander whose previous brides-to-be all fled within three days of their engagement. Kiyoka, heir of the fearsome Kudo family, is said to be cold and cruel. Against all expectations, however, Miyo is just about to discover that her betrothed is far from the brute he is rumoured to be. Kiyoka treats her with grace and kindness, but as a new threat looms over the city, he must join the fight before their love can fully blossom.
Adapted from the popular light novel series MY HAPPY MARRIAGE by Akumi Agitogi, AS LONG AS WE BOTH SHALL LIVE is an epic tale of empowerment and unlikely romance, infused with stunning fantasy elements and high-stakes action. With his alluring personality, fierce battle moves, and impeccable silver locks, Ren Meguro (from the J-pop band Snow Man) embodies Kiyoka as if he’d jumped straight out of a shojo manga. Alongside him, through director Ayuko Tsukahara’s meticulous and unmistakably feminine point of view, Mio Imada (from the live-action TOKYO REVENGERS series, also featured at Fantasia 2023) delivers a touching performance as Miyo, this tortured Japanese Cinderella who refuses to stop believing in a better future for herself. Shot in some of the country’s most picturesque natural locations, this new feature film is a perfect introduction to one of Japan’s most exciting up-and-coming franchises! – Alyssia Duval-Nguon
Showings
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