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Asako I & II
寝ても覚めても
2018 120 min Japan, France 0+
★7.1
Drama, Romance
Director: Ryûsuke Hamaguchi
🎭 Based on
«Netemo Sametemo»
byTomoka Shibasaki
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
Asako lives in Osaka. She falls in love with Baku, a free-spirit. One day, Baku suddenly disappears. Two years later, Asako now lives in Tokyo and meets Ryohei. He looks just like Baku, but has a completely different personality.
US Gross:
$25,559
Starring
Masahiro Higashide
Actor
Erika Karata
Actor
Sairi Itô
Actor
Awards
San Sebastián International Film Festival 2018
— Audience Award – Best Film
Asian Film Academy 2019
— Best Debut
Cannes Film Festival 2018
— Palme d'Or
Key opinion
Asako I & II is a visually refined and emotionally contemplative drama that elevates a familiar romance premise into a profound exploration of identity and self-projection. While its deliberate pace and tonal shifts challenge traditional narrative expectations, the film is widely praised for its stylistic elegance and haunting lead performances.
| Acting | The lead performances by Erika Karata and Masahiro Higashide anchor the film with a nuanced, tasteful emotional depth. | |
| Direction | The direction employs a meticulously framed, visually exacting aesthetic that creates an immersive and lyrical experience. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay transforms a predictable reunion plot into an insightful meditation on the nature of love and self-projection. | |
| Pacing | The film's meditative, slow-burn tempo creates a distinct, contemplative rhythm that rewards patient viewers but may frustrate those expecting a conventional thriller. |