New People: Asako I & II

Ahead of the December 18 opening of Ryūsuke Hamaguchi’s latest film, ALL OF A SUDDEN, revisit one of his most beguiling earlier works, ASAKO I & II.

A mysterious and intoxicating pop romance, Ryūsuke Hamaguchi’s follow-up to the acclaimed Happy Hour begins with Asako, a young woman who meets and falls madly in love with a drifter, Baku, who one day drifts right out of her life.

Two years later, working in Tokyo, Asako sees Baku again — or, rather, a young, solid businessman named Ryohei who bears a striking resemblance to her old flame. They begin building a happy life together until traces of Asako’s past start to resurface.

“Exquisite. A playful, haunting drama of love lost and regained.” – Justin Chang, LA Times