[REVIEW] '1st Kiss' blends romance, fantasy in time-bending tale

By Baek Byung-yeul

A wife on the verge of divorce loses her husband and then travels back in time to their most cherished moments. What will she do with this second chance at love?

The Japanese romance film “1st Kiss” offers a delightful blend of romance, comedy and time-slip fantasy. Starring Takako Matsu and Hokuto Matsumura, the film takes audiences on an emotional journey exploring the complexity of marriage and the power of love.

The film revolves around Kanna Suzuri (Matsu), who, after 15 years of marriage, faces the devastating loss of her husband Kakeru Suzuri (Matsumura), in a tragic accident. Their marriage, once filled with love, had grown cold over the years, but after losing her husband, Kanna unexpectedly discovers a way to travel back in time to the year they met. As she relives their early encounters, she realizes the depth of her love for him and begins her journey to rewrite their fate.

Through a series of over 20 time-travel attempts, Kanna tries to prevent Kakeru’s fateful accident, but destiny seems to work against her. After experiencing that every change she makes leads to his death, she even chooses not to marry him. Despite all odds, Kakeru still chooses Kanna, proving that their bond is unbreakable.

Director Ayuko Tsukahara tries to deliver a core message through this movie: the significance of everyday expressions of love. Through her time-slip attempts, Kanna understands that simple words like “I am sorry,” “Thank you” and “I love you” hold the power to shape a relationship, portraying how minor gestures and moments can make a marriage thrive.

The movie “1st Kiss” balances emotional depth with a light and humorous approach. It avoids overly complex time-travel mechanics, allowing viewers to focus on the characters’ relationships rather than technical details. The two lead actors deliver outstanding performances, seamlessly portraying their characters across different timelines.

While “1st Kiss” brings plenty of laughter through its witty dialogues and humorous misunderstandings, its climax is deeply moving. The letter that Kakeru writes to Kanna serves as a striking emotional peak, offering a bittersweet yet heartwarming conclusion. The final scenes also highlight how love can transform over time.

The screenplay is penned by Yuji Sakamoto, an acclaimed writer renowned for his delicate yet sharp storytelling. Having won the Best Screenplay award at the 76th Cannes Film Festival for the 2023 movie “Monster,” Sakamoto has solidified his reputation as one of Japan's leading scriptwriters. In “1st Kiss,” Sakamoto once again demonstrates this mastery, crafting a story that resonates with audiences regardless of their personal experiences with love.

Overall, “1st Kiss” is a beautifully woven tale about rekindling love, embracing change and appreciating the little things that make a relationship meaningful. Whether you are currently in love or longing for a past romance, this movie offers a heartfelt journey that will stay with you for a long time.

The movie was released in Japan on Feb. 7 and has been well-received, topping the weekend box office. The film “1st Kiss” will hit theaters here on Feb. 26.