‘Asako I & II’: Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s exposé on the fickle nature of romance
It’s a common belief that every person has “a type”, a vision of what their perfect partner might display in both physicality and behaviour, and it’s equally plausible that each romantic endeavour is informed by the last. But what if someone were so infatuated with another that their next partner was to appear, for all intents and purposes, actually physically identical to their previous lover? It’s this question that director Ryusuke Hamaguchi tenderly explores in his 2018 romantic drama Asako I & II.
Erika Karata plays the titular young Osakan woman who experiences the strange phenomenon of love at first sight with an attractive and confident man called Baku, played by Masahiro Higashide. Despite the caring protestations of her friend, Asako enters into a romantic relationship with Baku, who suddenly goes missing, known for such behaviours. Even after Baku returns, he again departs, and the pair lose contact.
However, Baku has clearly left a deep impression on Asako, and having moved to Tokyo, finding employment in a coffee shop, she meets a man called Ryohei (also Higashide), who bears a striking resemblance to Baku, so much so that Asako cannot suspend her belief that he is indeed her former lover. A complex and initially resistant connection between the pair ensues, which eventually leads to a wholesome and loving relationship of seven years.
While Ryohei indeed resembles Baku, he is starkly different in disposition: kind where Baku is cruel, understanding where Baku is indifferent. This surely makes Ryohei Asako’s ideal partner physically attractive, yes, but also possessing the makings of a good husband and loving friend. Even when the truth comes out about his physical similarities to Asako’s ex, he understands, and his response is one of genuinely heartwarming affection.
But our past is often what informs our present, and when Baku, now a famous model and TV star, turns up in Asako’s life out of the blue, her romantic allegiance is torn. To stick with happiness or twist on the unknowing possibilities of the future? That is the question. Now, one might expect Asako to remain with Ryohei. Still, Hamaguchi delivers a genuinely shocking moment of narrative when she elopes with Baku in the throes of an anguished heart and amid her emotional complexities.
Asako I & II, therefore, examines the fickle and complex nature of romantic love and the different kinds of connections we seek. Asako’s relationship with Baku is indicative of our youthful infatuations, unpredictable and intense, while her later connection with Ryohei is one of respect and familiarity, and Hamaguchi professes that neither can ever really satisfy our most deeply rooted desires for love.
Our conception of being in love naturally changes over time as we grow older and is always informed by the exultant highs and crushing lows of romance. A relationship with another person is always unpredictable. Love might be experienced with burning passion at one moment and quiet and patient respect the next. Asako I & II is a poignant reflection on its emotionally shifting nature.
Hamaguchi once again delivers a narrative that dives deep into the most confusing recesses of the heart, inviting us to reflect on our own experiences of love. Love can be all-consuming, fleeting, intense, painful, life-affirming and doubtful, often all at the same time and in detailing our emotional obligations to our loved ones. The masterful Japanese director exposes love’s fickle nature, tearing his audience in two, just like Asako herself.
