Is First Love Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2000)

📖 The Core Premise

First Love returns to the screen in 2000, bringing a fresh narrative to the Romance genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "This coming-of-age story from Japan opens just after 17-year-old Sataka has gotten dumped by her boyfriend. When her mother is hospitalized with a malignant stomach ulcer, Sataka is left alone with her emotionally repressed father; whiling away the hours one day, she comes across a love letter written to her mother 24 years earlier. Deciding to track down the letter's author, Sataka eventually finds Shinichiro (Hiroyuki Sanada), an overweight slob who was abandoned by his wife years earlier and now spends his time hanging around pachinko parlors. Determined to clean him up and reintroduce him to her mother, Sataka nags Shinchiro until he finally agrees to her demands, and a gradual friendship develops between the two as Sataka drags him to the gym and a clothing store. But once Shinchiro's makeover is complete, he turns the tables on his young friend, and when the time comes for him to meet Sataka's mother, all concerned parties find themselves embarking on a new phase in their lives."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Rena Tanaka does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Romance. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is First Love worth your time? If you appreciate Romance films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, First Love is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 113 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.