First Love

First Love, directed by Takashi Miike and written by Masaru Nakamura, is a pulsating adventure painted on a gritty, noir canvas. The film blends elements of various genres, including crime, romance, drama, and comedy, and features stars such as Becky, Bengal, and Masayuki Deai. Lauded for its captivating plot, dynamic characters, and creative storytelling, this 2019 production is a must-watch for anyone interested in a thrilling cinematic journey encompassing two frenzied nights in the underworld of Japan’s capital, Tokyo.

Becky, Bengal, and Masayuki Deai deliver riveting performances as they navigate a complex web of corrupt cops, severed ties, and unruly underworld creatures. The story centers on a young boxer and a call girl who become entangled in a drug-smuggling scheme spiralling out of control. Becky's character adds a jolt of raw emotion, balancing the action-packed narrative with a sprinkling of tender moments. In contrast, Bengal and Deai take up the mantle of nefarious characters involved in the underworld, bringing depth and intensity to the film's moral landscape.

First Love starts off by introducing us to Leo (Masataka Kubota), a talented young boxer who is informed that he has a serious medical condition. Just as he's grappling with this dreadful news and the seemingly impending doom attached to it, he crosses paths with Monica (Sakurako Konishi), a drug-addicted sex worker caught in a dangerous mix of yakuza criminal factions and a corrupt cop. Their lives intertwine in a rollercoaster of events, kick-starting a thrilling journey marked by danger, suspense, and unexpected twists and turns.

Their shared predicament forms the basis of their bond, one marked by innocence and mutual desperation, in the criminal underworld teeming with brutality. Miike deftly balances their budding relationship as an oasis of calm amid the tempest of violence gripping the city, highlighting the contrasts between their quiet moments of connection and their chaotic surroundings.

Becky plays Julien, a mysterious character whose loyalties often blur the lines of right and wrong, bringing an intoxicatingly dark charm to the plot. Bengal, as Otomo, the disgruntled yakuza boss, and Masayuki Deai as Kase, the scrupulous, ambitious low ranking yakuza, paint a vivid picture of Tokyo's seedy underbelly. They are opposing forces of the same coin, wrapped up in a crime network that is as treacherous as it is intriguing.

What makes First Love engaging is its unpredictability. The movie swiftly moves along with the pace of a crime thriller while teetering on the edge of utter chaos, making it an exhilarating watch. This energy is brilliantly combined with doses of black comedy throughout the movie, making even some of the most edge-of-your-seat moments humorously absurd.

However, at its core, First Love is a story of resilience, survival, and the extent to which individuals will go to protect their newfound connections. It's a symphony of poetry and violence, where the characters walk the tightrope between life and death and past and future. The chemistry between the lead pair is palpable and stands out against the backdrop of the violent and stark cityscape.

The cinematography of First Love further solidifies the noir feel. Most scenes are drenched in dark, moody hues, capturing the vibe of Tokyo's dangerous criminal underworld. Director Miike uses this to his advantage, allowing the city itself to become a pivotal character in its own right. The pulsating music score plays an essential role in amplifying the tension and drama at just the right moments.

Whether you're a crime thriller enthusiast, a lover of unconventional romances, or a fan of well-conceived characters, First Love will draw you in with its compelling narrative, excellent performances, and a stunning visual spectacle. Despite being rooted in elements of crime and violence, the film also delicately explores themes of human relationships, self-discovery, and the notion of mortality. It's dark, dangerous, filled with raw emotion, and most importantly, brimming with heart.