April, Come She Will (2024) Movie Review – A Deep Dive into Love, Loss, and Cinematic Beauty
In 2024, “April, Come She Will” (四月になれば彼女は) presents an emotionally complex exploration of love, memory, and the unanswered questions that linger long after a relationship ends. Directed by Tomokazu Yamada, this film draws viewers into a narrative that oscillates between fleeting romantic connections and the haunting aftermath of unspoken words. If you’re considering watching this intriguing tale of unrequited love, loss, and personal reflection, this review will guide you through its themes, characters, and cinematic achievements.
A Story of Unfinished Love
“April, Come She Will” follows Shun Fujishiro (played by Takeru Satoh), a psychiatrist whose life takes an unexpected turn when his fiancée, Yayoi Sakamoto (Masami Nagasawa), mysteriously disappears just before their wedding. The catalyst for this disappearance is a letter Shun receives from Haru Iyoda (Nana Mori), his first love, whom he had been separated from a decade ago. The letter triggers a journey into Shun’s past, forcing him to confront his unresolved emotions and reevaluate his life choices.
The film delves into Shun’s psychological landscape, shifting between present-day tension and past memories. Through a blend of melancholy and introspection, it explores how love can fade, mutate, and sometimes even vanish entirely. The central question, “How do you keep love from ending?” is asked by Yayoi before her sudden disappearance. The answer, found later in the film, suggests a brutal truth: the only way to prevent love from ending is not to have it in the first place—a poignant reflection on the impermanence of human connections.
A Cinematic Journey Through Landscapes and Emotions
Visually, “April, Come She Will” is a stunning work of art. The cinematography, especially in scenes that follow Haru’s travels, is breathtaking. From the lush landscapes of Bolivia to the stark black-sand beaches of Iceland, the film offers a visual feast. These sweeping drone shots are not just picturesque but serve to underscore the internal emotional journeys of the characters. The camera moves as if it’s documenting memories, capturing moments that are fleeting yet significant, just like the love the characters are struggling to understand.
The visual beauty of the film is one of its strongest suits. The opening sequence alone is enough to leave audiences awestruck, and the stunning locations add to the emotional weight of the narrative. Haru’s travels—Bolivia, Iceland, Prague—become metaphors for the inner landscapes the characters must navigate. These sequences convey more about the unspoken depth of the characters’ relationships than any dialogue could.
Characters Caught in the Web of Love and Loss
The performances of the lead actors—Takeru Satoh, Masami Nagasawa, and Nana Mori—are compelling, each actor bringing nuance to their respective roles. Satoh’s portrayal of Shun, a man torn between his past and his present, is subtle yet powerful. His internal conflict, heightened by Haru’s letter, becomes the emotional backbone of the film. Nagasawa’s Yayoi is equally complex, navigating the difficult path between love and self-preservation. Mori’s Haru, though limited in screen time, exudes an ethereal quality that is essential to the film’s reflection on lost love and missed opportunities.
Despite these strong performances, the film’s pacing can be challenging. The story’s slow, contemplative nature and the philosophical musings on love may frustrate viewers seeking more immediate emotional payoff. Some may find the film’s narrative structure—a series of fragmented, elliptical moments—difficult to follow, as it leaves many questions unresolved. The film asks more questions than it answers, and this sense of ambiguity is likely to be divisive.
Themes of Love, Memory, and the Weight of Regret
“April, Come She Will” is less about the blooming of love and more about what happens after the romance fades. The film wrestles with complex themes like disappointment, the futility of love, and the difficulty of moving on. Haru’s sudden disappearance and the questions it leaves behind reflect how love often remains unfinished, a series of unresolved notes and broken promises.
The dialogue, while subtle, carries deep emotional weight. Shun’s interactions with Yayoi and the looming presence of Haru’s memory raise questions about the nature of commitment and whether true love is even possible in a world where feelings are transient and unpredictable. Ultimately, the film grapples with the painful realization that love, like photographs or letters from the past, can be cherished but is always subject to the ravages of time.
Where to Watch “April, Come She Will” Online
As of now, “April, Come She Will” is not yet available on streaming platforms, but fans can expect it to arrive on major services soon. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu might secure streaming rights for this visually captivating film in the near future. For rental or purchase, it is likely to appear on digital platforms like iTunes or Google Play once it becomes available in the U.S. Keep an eye on the film’s availability through JustWatch for real-time updates.
For more information, visit the official movie site at 4gatsu-movie.toho.co.jp.
Final Thoughts: A Beautiful, If Imperfect, Love Story
“April, Come She Will” is a film that resonates on an emotional level, particularly for those who enjoy exploring the complexities of love, memory, and regret. While its narrative may not be as immediately engaging as some might hope, its visual artistry and philosophical musings provide a rewarding experience for viewers willing to invest in its subtle emotional depth. If you’re someone who appreciates films that offer more questions than answers and find beauty in the transient nature of love, this movie is worth your time.
If you’re intrigued by the exploration of love and memory, stay tuned for the release of “April, Come She Will” on streaming platforms. Follow updates on JustWatch and be sure to visit the official movie website for the latest news. In the meantime, share your thoughts on the film’s complex narrative and visual beauty in the comments below.
