We Couldn't Become Adults

"We Couldn't Become Adults" is an engrossing Japanese drama film released in the year 2021. Directed by Yoshihiro Mori and featuring an international ensemble of acclaimed actors such as Takehiro Hira, Rich Ting, and Anne Yatco, the film offers a poignant exploration of personal growth, unfulfilled dreams, and the trials of domestic life.

The story centers on Marco (Takehiro Hira), a middle-aged businessman leading an unfulfilled life. Hira, praised for his nuanced performances, fully embodies the soul of Marco, portraying a character caught within the rigid confines of a life that he never desired yet is stuck with. Burbank Film Festival's Best Actor, Rich Ting, portrays David, Marco's old friend from his university days. Finally, Anne Yatco flawlessly enacts the role of Cathy, David's partner who, although strikingly humane and loving, struggles with her tormented past.

Set in both the modern sprawl of Tokyo and the nostalgic cityscape of Los Angeles, "We Couldn't Become Adults" is as much about the passage of time and the weight of the past as it is about the individuals it portrays. We observe Marco in his quest to regain lost years and reclaim dreams he's left behind. This journey is further complicated by Marco's relationship with his old college love Miho, played by the understated yet magnificent Mei Kurokawa.

Marco's life takes an unexpected twist when he reunites with David during a business trip in Los Angeles. Unraveling buried secrets, reviving withered friendships and carrying the burden of old memories, Marco grapples with his day to day life experiences. As we journey alongside Marco, we navigate the complex waters of middle-age disappointment, love, friendship, and nostalgia. Marco's chance encounter with David causes him not only to reflect on their shared history but also their collective past with Miho.

Marco's mundane reality burgeons into an emotional odyssey as the movie slips smoothly from the present to the past, back to their carefree university days. These vinyl-clad days of youth are brilliantly contrasted with their corporate adult lives that are laden with responsibilities and dwindling dreams. The film stirs a sense of longing while painting a melancholic picture of youthful dreams and aspirations that often go unaccounted for in the race of life.

"We Couldn't Become Adults" delves into the relatable themes of regret and the longing for a different life. It is equally a testament to the corridors of the past and the very essence of human nature – fragile, insecure, and hopeful. Characters, illustrated in a realistic fashion, highlight the unfulfilled aspirations that all of us carry within ourselves, making the narrative profoundly affecting and deeply human.

The movie's director, Yoshihiro Mori, masterfully intertwines the characters' lives, blending relatable emotions with picturesque, often moody, cinematography. Mori takes the audience on a reflective journey through his characters' lives, making each scene and each turn genuinely captivating. This drama navigates the complexities of adulthood and the unyielding grip of time, making the audience question the meaning of life as we know it and the cost of dreams left behind.

The film's musical score is an amalgamation of nostalgic yet modern tunes, complementing the visuals perfectly. They provide an evocative backdrop to Marco's mental and emotional turmoil, enhancing the narrative's poignant exploration of the middle-aged psyche.

In conclusion, "We Couldn't Become Adults" is a thoughtful, emotional journey that beautifully showcases the artistry of modern Japanese cinema. It is a testament to the intricacy of human emotions, the rekindling of buried dreams, and the raw reality of adulthood, making a profound impact on the audience.