Watch when we met

When We Met is a 2013 Japanese romantic drama film that explores the complexity of relationships amidst the backdrop of time travel between the present and the past. It stars Kaori ABE as the protagonist, Akari Fujii, a successful writer, and Seiichi MUKAI as Kazutaka Sato, a lethargic, confused college student who is unsure of his future.

The movie begins with Akari and Kazutaka meeting on a train in 2013. They strike up a conversation, and both feel an unexplainable connection towards each other. However, the moment the train arrives at its destination, they depart, and their lives continue in separate directions.

In true romance movie fashion, life does not go smoothly for either of them. Akari is struggling in her professional life, trying to complete her book while dealing with writer's block, and Kazutaka is going through a personal crisis, questioning whether he's doing the right thing by continuing with his college education. Despite these challenges, they move on with their life, not expecting to cross paths again.

However, one night, Akari and Kazutaka miraculously find themselves transported back in time to three years before they met. This unexpected time travel serves as an opportunity for both of them to reevaluate their lives and make necessary changes. Sabrina (Gemma May) from 2055 explains how incorrect she and her colleagues were in assuming that using the time machine to gain a deeper understanding of love was a positive notion. They agreed to send people from other timelines to observe the "essence of love," but upon meeting Akari and Kazutaka, they realized that intervening in people's lives was unethical.

While they're there, Akari and Kazutaka attempt to undo some of the mistakes they made in their pasts, while also trying to understand the cause of their time travel. Throughout their journey, they gain clarity on their present-day obstacles and are forced to confront their lingering feelings for each other.

The relationship between Akari and Kazutaka is the heart of this movie. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the time travel element adds a unique, fascinating layer to their story. Nevertheless, the movie does not rely solely on their relationship, as each character has an individual journey of growth and self-discovery.

The director, Toyoshima Keisuke, does an excellent job of guiding the audience through the characters' lives without feeling like we're missing anything vital. We see Akari and Kazutaka's memories gradually fade, and their hopes for the future grow stronger with each change they make in the past. The background score is lovely, fitting perfectly into the sentimental mood of the story.

The movie does have some pacing issues in the middle, but it does not detract from the overall emotional connection that is built between the characters and the audience. As a viewer, you'll find yourself cheering for Akari and Kazutaka's success as they learn to live honestly with themselves and with each other.

When We Met manages to create an immersive, intriguing world of time travel while still capturing all of the genuine, raw emotions of the characters. A well-written script, excellent performances, and beautiful cinematography come together to make this a heartfelt and nostalgic film. The story itself is a beautiful ode to love; it highlights the idea that love is the one emotion that transcends time, and it pushes people to grow and become their best versions.

In Conclusion, When We Met is a romantic, heartwarming movie that keeps you entertained throughout. The story blends the concepts of time travel and love beautifully, establishing a world where we are rooting for our characters to find their happiness. It's an absolute must-watch for all those who hold love in high regard.