Ai to Makoto (2012 Film)
Ai to Makoto (Japanese: 愛と誠), released in English as For Love's Sake, is a 2012 Japanese musical romance film directed by Takashi Miike. The film is a cinematic adaptation of the manga series Ai to Makoto, written by Ikki Kajiwara and illustrated by Takumi Nagayasu, which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine between 1973 and 1976.
Plot
The story follows Makoto Taiga, a troubled youth who arrives in Tokyo seeking to resolve a conflict from his past. His life intersects with Ai Saotome, a young woman from a wealthy and wholesome background who falls in love with him at first sight. Their relationship is complicated by the presence of Iwashimizu, a student who harbors feelings for Ai, and Gamuko, a gang member fixated on Makoto.
Production
Principal photography for the film commenced on July 5, 2011, and concluded in August 2011. The production features a musical format, integrating song and dance sequences into the narrative.
Cast
- Satoshi Tsumabuki as Makoto Taiga
- Emi Takei as Ai Saotome
- Takumi Saito as Iwashimizu
- Ito Ono as Yuki Takahara
- Sakura Ando as Gamuko
- Tsuyoshi Ihara as Gonta Zao
- Kimiko Yo as Toyo Taiga
- Yo Hitoto as Miyako Saotome
- Masachika Ichimura as Shogo Saotome
- Ken Maeda as Teacher
- Seishiro Kato as Young Makoto Taiga
Reception and Festivals
The film premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival as part of the Midnight Screenings. It was subsequently screened at various international film festivals, including the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, the Fantasia Film Festival, and the BFI London Film Festival. Sakura Ando received critical recognition for her performance, winning Best Supporting Actress at both the 37th Hochi Film Awards and the 67th Mainichi Film Awards.
