Love Is Dead

As a country famous for adult films, Japan has an incredibly diverse cinema industry. However, the most prominent genre remains 18+ films. While JAV is an undisputed strength, films categorized as ‘erotic films’ are also highly developed. They can easily compete with South Korean or Hong Kong cinema, thanks to a strong cast and serious investment in the script and cinematography, and Love Is Dead is a prime example. The 2015 film, directed by Kenji Hanyu, not only features a gripping plot that reflects everyday life but also gathers young, beautiful actors with great performances.

Focusing on the issue of ‘virtual living’ through smartphones, the Japan film Love Is Dead revolves around the complex love stories of young people in the information technology era. They are even willing to take photos or record videos while having intimate moments, either to keep as memories or sometimes to share and boast to their friends. The consequences of these actions are severe, as they can be exploited by others, leading to demands for money or physical relationships, as in the case of the young office worker in Love Is Dead.

Private videos, initially intended as mementos, can be used for revenge when betrayal occurs between one of the two people involved. The other party might release the video without hesitation as a form of retaliation. Alternatively, the girl in the film may have had premeditated intentions, capturing these moments to manipulate and control the boy, releasing the footage when necessary. However, the consequences are unpredictable, and sometimes it backfires, making the victim the one who initially released the video.