First Love is a 2019 action-packed romantic comedy delving into the dark side of Japan's organized crime, with a refreshing take on a classic formula. Directed by Takashi Miike, the film is a highlight of an already exciting career, featuring vibrant, playful characters, action-packed scenes, and dazzling visuals. The film takes place over the course of one night in Tokyo, when Leo (Masataka Kubota), a young boxer with a brain tumor, meets a call girl, Monica (Sakurako Konishi), who's on the run from the mafia. In the midst of their escape, Monica leaves Leo to fend for himself, but not without leaving behind a bag filled with illicit drugs.
Meanwhile, a young woman working at a drug clinic, Yuri (Sakurako Konishi), is approached by a corrupt police detective (Shôta Sometani) to steal some of the clinic's drugs, just as Leo stumbles into the facility looking for help. From that point forward, Yuri and Leo are wrapped up in a twisted plot involving the Yakuza.
First Love is jam-packed with memorable scenes that span from classic romantic ones to high-octane action. From Yuri and Leo's brief but electric first encounter, to their joint efforts to get the drugs back from the Yakuza, the excitement never stops. The movie does not shy away from its brutal scenes either, including a number of intense fights, a few gruesome murders, and an inevitable showdown between Leo and the Yakuza.
The film's vibrant cast breathes energy and reality into each character they portray. Kubota embodies a perfect leading man with his chiseled features, athletic build, and the charisma that naturally radiates from him. Konishi gives a stunning performance, portraying a woman who is in control of herself and her surroundings, despite being plagued by her past. She is not a victim, but a fighter, and her performance is an excellent reflection of this.
The script is rich and laced with humor that provides moments of levity, balancing beautifully with the action-drama component of the film. All in all, First Love is a fantastic film with a brilliant cast and a dynamic story, one that is enjoyable on many levels. The performances are top-notch, the action is thrilling, and the story is captivating.
The Yakuza, perhaps the least explored element of the plot, had a level of ambiguity to them that made the story more interesting. They were dangerous and unscrupulous, but they were also a family in a sense, supporting each other through thick and thin. The way they approached the world was entirely different, which is showcased best with the character of Kase (Shôta Sometani), who is a detestable cop, but also a form of a hero to some of the Yakuza.
One of the film's most significant strengths was the way it handled its visuals, which are simply stunning. Nighttime scenes in particular are highly stylized, with an almost neon color palette reminiscent of the 80s, and the film makes use of a variety of camera tricks to add depth and style to each shot. It's clear that Miike knows what he's doing, and the effort pays off hugely.
First Love is highly recommended to anyone looking for a thrilling romantic comedy. It's a delightful and unique film full of unexpected turns and compelling visual choices. It's more than worth the watch.
First Love is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 14 minutes.
