Lovers’ Kiss (Ravazu kisu)

New York premiere.

2003, 114 min., color, 35mm.  In Japanese with English subtitles.
 
Directed by Ataru Oikawa. Written by Noriko Goto and Ataru Oikawa, based on manga by Akimi Yoshida. With Aya Hirayama, Aoi Miyazaki, Mikako Ichikawa, Yuma Ishigaki, Hiroki Narimiya, Shinnosuke Abe, Naomi Nishida. Distributed by Toho.

Set in a seashore town during autumn, Lovers’ Kiss tells the tangled love stories of six high school boys and girls from each of their viewpoints, gradually revealing relationships not only between boys and girls but also between the same gender. “Bad girl” Rikako falls in love with her classmate Tomoaki, causing uneasy feelings among their friends; Rikako’s sister feels attached to Rikako’s best friend Miki; and Atsushi confesses his love for Takao as Takao struggles with his unrequited love for Tomoaki. First-time director Ataru Oikawa skillfully dramatizes this romantic comedy by popular manga artist Akimi Yoshida.

Tickets: $10; Japan Society members, seniors & students $5.