Life Back Then (2011 Film)

Life Back Then (Japanese: アントキノイノチ, Hepburn: Antoki no Inochi) is a 2011 Japanese drama film directed by Takahisa Zeze. The film is based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Masashi Sada, published by Gentosha Inc.

Promotional poster for the film Life Back Then

Plot

The story follows Kyohei Nagashima (Masaki Okada), a young man struggling with the psychological aftermath of severe bullying during his high school years. Seeking a way to distance himself from his past, he takes a job at a company that specializes in cleaning the homes of the recently deceased. While working, he meets a co-worker named Yuki (Nana Eikura), who also harbors deep emotional trauma. As they navigate the difficult nature of their work, the two develop a bond that forces them to confront their pasts and attempt to reconnect with the world.

Production and Release

The film was produced by Takashi Hirano and Atsuyuki Shimoda, with cinematography by Atsuhiro Nabeshima. It had its world premiere on August 18, 2011, at the Montreal World Film Festival, where it received the Innovation Award. The film was subsequently released in Japan on November 19, 2011, with a total runtime of 131 minutes.