What Is Love?

With a refreshingly realistic eye and tender character portrayals, filmmaker Rikiya Imaizumi explores the dynamics of modern romance in Japan with his latest film, Just Only Love, adapted from a novel of the same name by Mitsuyo Kakuta. Teruko (Yukino Kishii) is a disgruntled office worker who only brightens up when she gets a call from Mamoru (Ryo Narita), and artsy, if somewhat pretentious, graphic designer. Although the relationship becomes increasingly one-sided, Teruko can’t keep herself from adoring Mamoru and going out of her way to help him out. However to Mamoru, Teruko is not much more than a girl he can take advantage of. As Mamoru continues to use and discard her at will, Teruko begins to lose sight of her sense of self. But after a stint of no contact, Mamoru invites her to meet the object of his affection, Sumire, possibly turning the tables on her unrequited love. (Hawaii International Film Festival)