Is As Long As We’re Alive Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2025)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2025, As Long As We’re Alive represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Yumi, a 20-year-old living in the countryside of Gunma Prefecture, has an older friend named Ishii. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Yumi, a 20-year-old living in the countryside of Gunma Prefecture, has an older friend named Ishii. Eccentric and irresponsible, Ishii is far from ordinary, yet the two share an inexplicable bond. Yumi lives with her mother, who often tells her, “I love you more than anyone in the world.” Bound by those words, Yumi takes on the responsibility of supporting their household in place of her unemployed mother. One day, Ishii suddenly disappears, leaving behind a single note:“We are being questioned by life.”Those words become the quiet push Yumi needs to finally step out of her confined world. Five years later, now living a glamorous life in the city, Yumi finds herself reflecting on the past.Where is Ishii now? What kind of life is her living?"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Miru Nagase, the performance in As Long As We’re Alive feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Shiori Ueno is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 37 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is As Long As We’re Alive truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, As Long As We’re Alive explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2025 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Shiori Ueno respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, As Long As We’re Alive is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Miru Nagase or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, As Long As We’re Alive is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.