Is Love and Goodbye and Hawaii Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Comedy, Romance cinema, the 2017 release of Love and Goodbye and Hawaii stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Rinko and Isamu have been living together for three years in what seems like an idyllic situation, except for one detail: they broke up months ago. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Romance 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: "Rinko and Isamu have been living together for three years in what seems like an idyllic situation, except for one detail: they broke up months ago. Even so, despite misgivings from her friends, the setup is comfortable enough for Rinko not to feel pressured to change it. When an attractive graduate student takes an interest in Isamu, however, Rinko is forced to confront her remaining feelings for him and the reality of their cohabitation."

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. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Aya Ayano ensure that the emotional beats of Love and Goodbye and Hawaii always land with sufficient weight. Aya Ayano provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Shingo Matsumura 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 93 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 Love and Goodbye and Hawaii 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 Comedy, Romance, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.8/10 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, Love and Goodbye and Hawaii explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Shingo Matsumura 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, Love and Goodbye and Hawaii serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Aya Ayano or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Love and Goodbye and Hawaii is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.