AceShowbiz - Japanese filmmaker Between Two Lovers, directed by Nanako Hirose, a protégé of Palme d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda, is set to debut on November 27 in Japan. This romantic drama centers on a married woman who pursues a polyamorous relationship, inviting her female lover to live with her and her husband, challenging conventional family structures.

Masami Nagasawa stars as Uta, a picture book illustrator characterized by the filmmakers as “selfish, cunning – yet utterly lovable.” Uta’s husband, Morio, portrayed by Tasuku Emoto, is a caring and domesticated man caught between his wife’s unconventional desires and traditional family expectations. Shizuka Ishibashi, who will soon lead NHK’s Morning Drama Series Blossom, plays Junna, Uta’s lover and editor.

The concept behind Between Two Lovers emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as Hirose contemplated the need for diverse family models in modern society. Since then, she has developed and written the screenplay, aiming to portray relationships that defy societal norms.

Speaking on her role, Nagasawa remarked, “Within Uta-chan’s seemingly conflicted actions lie a mix of ideals, reality, and a sense of justice. Even so, her honesty and authenticity continue to draw people in.” Emoto described the film as “a story about love, brought to life by characters who are clumsy, yet full of longing.” Meanwhile, Ishibashi characterized her role as “clumsy and prickly like a hedgehog,” but with a “childlike softness inside.”

Hirose’s filmmaking career has been closely linked to the Tokyo-based collective Bunbuku Inc., founded in 2014 by Hirokazu Kore-eda and filmmaker Miwa Nishikawa. Bunbuku serves as a creative hub supporting emerging Japanese directors through mentorship and production guidance. Hirose’s debut feature, His Lost Name, starring Yuya Yagira, premiered in the New Currents competition at the Busan International Film Festival in 2018 and screened internationally.

Between Two Lovers gained early industry recognition by winning the CJ ENM Award and the ARRI Award at the Asian Project Market during Busan’s Asian Contents & Film Market in 2023, highlighting strong interest in its unique narrative.

The film is a Japan-Taiwan co-production, with cinematography by Taiwanese director Yao Hung-I, renowned for his work on Hou Hsiao-hsien’s later films and Huang Xi’s Missing Johnny. Taiwanese lighting director Hsiao Hung-Yi also contributed. Principal photography occurred in September and October of the previous year, and the film is now complete. The soundtrack is composed by popular Japanese singer-songwriter HIMI, marking his first full feature score.

Development was led by Bunbuku, while production and distribution are managed by K2 Pictures, a Tokyo-based company launched in 2023 by former Toei producer Muneyuki Kii. K2 Pictures aims to disrupt the traditional Japanese film production committee system with a fund-based financing model that seeks to deliver greater profits to creators and attract both domestic and international investments.

K2 Pictures’ director roster includes acclaimed filmmakers such as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Miwa Nishikawa, Takashi Miike, and Shunji Iwai. Their inaugural film fund, K2P Film Fund I, has secured investments from prominent Japanese financial institutions including MUFG Bank and the Development Bank of Japan. Kii serves as executive producer on Between Two Lovers, with Daiju Koide producing.

Between Two Lovers promises to offer a thoughtful exploration of love, family, and societal expectations through its portrayal of a non-traditional relationship. Its release later this year is highly anticipated within the Japanese film community and among international arthouse audiences interested in fresh perspectives on romance and family dynamics.