Theatre: A Love Story (2020)

Kento is in this but no, this is not your typical shoujo manga movie, sorry.

This movie does not shy away from showing you the toxicities and struggles of being in an unhealthy relationship. This kind of film is one of the many reasons why I've always liked jdramas. It's the lack of fear of tackling serious and heavy subjects.

The couple has its up and down moments and has you questioning whether these two are suited to stay together or not. They could be having a joyful time walking together or playing games together but also get into uncomfortable quarrells at any second. Nagata's character is written to look pathetic as he is extremely insecure, egoistic and short-tempered and seemingly is merely using Saki. Him being with the vigorous and kind Saki starts to change her life for the worst as she seemingly changes as a person, her aspirations and pretty much everything. The movie then does makes you care and sympathize for these two. The chemistry between the two and the story is great and realistic.

Yamazaki Kento's character here is very much different from the usual roles he takes. He should leave the shoujo manga roles to the idols because him taking these more mature roles have really showcased his talents as an actor. I'm not even the biggest fan of him and I'm impressed by his great acting here. He also looks different and mature with the long messy hair and facial hair that he has in this movie. Mayu is no exception, she played the kind and strong Saki really well.

I can't recall if I ever heard any music here but I don't think it's the kind of movie that needs music anyway, the tone of the movie and the story was that appealing and intriguing that it didn't need any music tbh. Rewatch value is low for me, not to say that it wasn't good, I just think I've seen everything already and don't think I need to watch it again.

The ending was nothing short of spectacular.

Highly recommended.

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Pink and Gray is my all time favorite film, when I heard Yukisada and Horai were teaming up again I was delighted, so keep in mind this review is a little biased.
The first thing I noticed when the movie started is Yamazaki Kento's weight loss, which adds quite a bit to the visual representation of his mental health. The cinematography is delightful, the pacing is great, and the acting is superb.
As the tags and synopsis suggests, the story follows a toxic relationship which turns abusive fairly quick.


Nagata starts off as an enthusiastic play-writer, who lives for theater, but ditches his ambition for comfort. Constantly self conscious due to his procrastination, he makes attempts to test Saki's good nature, and belittles her.
Due to the ongoing abuse, the roles reverse and the unkept, homeless looking man we saw at the beginning of the movie, pursuing a beautiful model, turns into a once again seemingly ambitious man who dresses appropriately, and a depressed, shriveled version of now 27 year old Saki.
At a point of no return, Nagata realizes he's lost Saki, finally learning the consequences of his behavior. Saki 'escapes' Tokyo, and goes back to her parents to 'heal'.

It's a very good character study, really could not recommend this movie enough.

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