Japanese director Nanako Hirose, a former mentee of Palme d'Or laureate Hirokazu Kore-eda, is poised to introduce her sophomore cinematic endeavor, 'Between Two Lovers.' This romantic drama navigates the intricate emotional landscape of a married woman engaging in a concurrent relationship with a female partner, ultimately suggesting a shared living arrangement for all three individuals. Slated for release in Japan on November 27, the film challenges conventional notions of family and relationships, offering a contemporary perspective on love and cohabitation.
The narrative of 'Between Two Lovers' revolves around Uta, portrayed by Masami Nagasawa, a children's book illustrator depicted as both self-centered and captivating. Her husband, Morio, played by Tasuku Emoto, embodies the conflict between his devotion to Uta and adherence to traditional societal values. Shizuka Ishibashi takes on the role of Junna, Uta's editor and lover, completing the complex triad at the heart of the story. Hirose's vision for the film stems from a desire to showcase diverse family structures, an idea that germinated during the pandemic and was meticulously developed over several years.
Masami Nagasawa, celebrated for her recent Best Actress win at the 49th Japan Academy Awards, describes her character, Uta, as someone whose seemingly contradictory actions are rooted in a blend of aspirations, reality, and a unique sense of fairness. She emphasizes Uta's genuine nature, which continues to endear her to others. Tasuku Emoto characterizes the project as a narrative of affection, brought to life by individuals who, despite their imperfections, are filled with profound yearning. Shizuka Ishibashi likens her character to a prickly hedgehog, suggesting an outwardly tough demeanor that conceals an inner childlike vulnerability.
Hirose's professional journey began as an assistant director within Bunbuku, the creative collective established in 2014 by Kore-eda and filmmaker Miwa Nishikawa. This organization has served as a nurturing environment for emerging Japanese directors, with Kore-eda providing mentorship from script development through to production. Hirose's debut film, 'His Lost Name,' featuring Yuya Yagira, premiered in 2018 at the Busan International Film Festival's New Currents competition and subsequently screened at various international festivals.
The film garnered early industry recognition, securing both the CJ ENM Award and the ARRI Award at the Asian Project Market (APM) during Busan's Asian Contents & Film Market in 2023. This early acclaim underscored the project's potential and its innovative approach to storytelling.
A Japan-Taiwanese collaboration, 'Between Two Lovers' benefits from the expertise of Taiwanese cinematographer Yao Hung-I, renowned for his work on Hou Hsiao-hsien's later films and Huang Xi's 'Missing Johnny,' who handled the photography. Taiwanese lighting director Hsiao Hung-Yi also contributed to the production. Filming concluded in the autumn of last year, and the movie is now complete. Popular Japanese singer-songwriter HIMI composed the score, marking his first foray into scoring a full-length feature film.
'Between Two Lovers' represents a significant artistic statement from Nanako Hirose, demonstrating her unique directorial voice while continuing the legacy of mentorship from Hirokazu Kore-eda's Bunbuku collective. The film's exploration of unconventional relationships and family dynamics promises to resonate with global audiences, challenging traditional perspectives and fostering a dialogue about the evolving nature of human connection.
