Is Love Is Light Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Love Is Light, a standout production of 2022, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Romance landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Saijo has an ability to see special glow around women who are in love. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of 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: "Saijo has an ability to see special glow around women who are in love. Kitashiro, his childhood friend, the only person that knows about his ability, has had a crush on him most of her life, but Saijo tells her that she doesn't emit light around him which leaves her at a loss. Meanwhile, their classmate Yadorigi, who has a habit of liking guys belonging to other women, mistakes Saijo as Kitashiro' s boyfriend and makes a move on him. One day, Saijo accidentally sees a notebook that belongs to Shinonome, a girl who is trying to explore the meaning of love. They start an exchange diary to discuss the topic, but Kitashiro feels uncomfortable watching them deepen their relationship. And when Yadorigi sees this, she decides that she too wants to start an exchange diary with them."

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. Audiences are treated to a masterclass in acting by Fuju Kamio, whose portrayal of the protagonist is imbued with a depth and vulnerability that is rare in contemporary Romance. The chemistry with the supporting players is palpable, creating a gravity that pulls the viewer into the screen.

The direction by Keiichi Kobayashi is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 111 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 Is Light 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 Romance, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 7.6/10 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 Is Light explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2022 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Keiichi Kobayashi 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 Is Light is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Fuju Kamio or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Love Is Light is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.