Movie Digest
Six pals who hung out together in high school reunite after five years for a friend’s wedding. Kazuki Yoshio, Tetsuya Akashi, Taku Sogawa, Taisei Tajima, Yusaku Mizushima, and Kinichi Fujita are the six pals. The friends do an embarrassing dance routine for the bride and groom during the marriage. The friends recall their high school days and believe that their friendships will remain forever.
The Feel-Good Part
This movie is an entertaining ode to male friendship that will satisfy the majority of male viewers. The cinematography is also great, accentuating the many timelines most poetically, while the coloring and general framing add to the movie’s sense of nostalgia.
The Disappointing Factor
There is nothing in this movie that will disappoint you.
In-Depth Analysis
Friends reuniting after years apart is not a novel concept in cinema. Reunion films cover a range of genres and have varying themes and tones. Inspired by Matsui’s friendships, the movie investigates how to utilize laughter as both a coping and protection strategy. Six high school friends reunite for a wedding after five years. Yoshio has been dead for a while, but he still stands by their side as if nothing has occurred. Remain in Twilight is a creative exploration of the realms between life and death, joy and suffering. The flashbacks give the film a sense of movement, which works well for the story, as it helps the spectator to come to know the protagonists better and empathize with them, at least partially. The perfect ending amplifies the emotional climax while leaving us with a refreshing sense of catharsis.
Star Power
Narita Ryo (Kazuki Yoshio) is an engaging lead with a powerful emotional core. His supporting cast is also strong, including Wakaba Ryuya (Tetsuya Akashi), Hamano Kenta (Taku Sogawa), Fuijwara Kisetsu (Taisei Tajima), Metsugi Rikki (Yusaku Mizushima), and Kora Kengo (Kinichi Fujita). Each has a distinct personality and an opportunity to shine.
Overall Opinion
This film is a beautiful and moving story about friendship and the various ways people cope with death. You are in for an emotional ride!
