Based on Tomoka Shibasaki’s bestselling novel Netemo Sametemo, director Ryusuke Hamaguchi delivers a dizzyingly irresistible modern romance with an uncanny premise. Asako (Erika Karata), a reserved and sensible student in her 20s, meets young, handsome Baku (Masahiro Higashide).

It’s love at first sight and an intense, mystical relationship forms. One day, Baku vanishes. Two years later, Asako, having moved to Tokyo, meets Ryohei (also played by Higashide), Baku’s perfect double. Although they look identical, the two men are opposites, the two sides of one man. Beautifully shot in low light, this is a compelling representation of love as a mystical experience, told with surprising modernity and delicate lyricism.

Screening as part of the East Asia Film Festival Ireland 2019, April 11th to 14th. Click for more information.