50 FIRST KISSES (50回目のファーストキス) (2018)

Genre: Romance/Comedy
Director: Yuichi Fukuda
Cast: Takayuki Yamada, Masami Nagasawa, Tsuyoshi Muro, Katsuya, Taiga
Runtime: 1 hr 54 mins
Rating: PG
Released By: Clover Films and Golden Village Pictures
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 26 July 2018

Synopsis: Daisuke, a flirty tour coordinator in Hawaii, meets a girl named Rui in a café and falls in love at first sight. But the next day, she has no idea who he is. Rui suffers from a condition caused by a car accident in which new memories are wiped clear on a daily basis. In an effort to shield Rui from the painful truth, her loving father and brother create an environment in which she continues to relive the day after her accident. Daisuke learns of her tragedy and is determined confess his love for her day after day. Each day, Rui meets Daisuke for the first time. Daisuke’s ingenuity and persistence bring them together, but Rui learns that Daisuke dreams of becoming an astronomer and is conducting research in Hawaii, where the night sky is more beautiful than anywhere else in the world. Rui knows Daisuke will love her despite her memory loss, but worries about his future and makes a bold decision…

Movie Review:

50 First Kisses is the Japanese remake of the classic American rom-com movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, 50 First Dates (2004). Set in Oahu, Hawaii, the movie is about Daisuke’s comical pursuit of Rui. Even though he is known to be a playboy who flirts with the Japanese tourists who come to Hawaii, Rui earns a special place in his heart from the first day he saw her at a diner. However, Rui suffers from anterograde amnesia, where new memories can last only one day. Despite learning about that, it did not deter Daisuke’s determination to chase Rui. Daisuke eventually wins over her heart through his countless tries and unconventional methods, but Daisuke’s impending offer to fulfil his dream makes Rui insecure…

This Japanese remake is not a 100% copy of the American original; there are several differences in the narrative. For instance, there’s no penguins or walruses in this movie, and the male lead is an astronomer, as opposed to being a veterinarian. Nonetheless, the set-up of the story and key scenes are replicated to perfection! Even the framing is duplicated to a tee.

People may be really skeptical about remakes at first, especially when the original is already quite conversation worthy and is one of the top ticket box titles of their time. But this movie totally outdone expectations, and is successful for many reasons. First, the casting was excellent. Both Takayuki Yamada and Masami Nagasaw, who plays Daisuke and Rui respectively, have worked with director Yuichi Fukuda on more than one occasion. Although the couple look quite incompatible at first, they managed to create their characters, the flamboyant guy and the girl-next-door, work out well together. Coupled with the fact that the both of them have actually worked with one another a decade ago, their onscreen chemistry was so natural and relaxed.

In making the humour such a big success, the side characters played by Jiro Sato (Rui’s father), Taiga (Rui’s brother) and Tsuyoshi Muro (Daisuke’s buddy) were fitting as well. The movie is also sprinkled with Japanese slapstick humour, and unique Japanese references that is highly entertaining. Special mention to Jiro, for being able to pull off the funny gags while putting on such a straight face! If not for the cast, the entertainment value of the movie wouldn’t be half as successful.

In general, what makes a rom-com enjoyable would be the overall entertainment and humour, the compatibility and chemistry of the couple, and the ‘feel-good-ness’. For 50 First Kisses, it definitely scores high across these factors. It’s also a dynamic movie, which brings you on the character’s emotional journey, making it quite genuine and thoughtful as well. Doesn’t take a genius to predict the ending of the movie, but thankfully it’s not that old-fashioned and cheesy!

Movie Rating:

(You NEED this if you haven’t been laughing enough lately. And if you’re a rom-com fanatic, you’ll not want to miss it!!! It’s possibly better than its original)

Review by Tho Shu Ling