Cast
Taishi Nakagawa
Towa Furuya
Erika Karata
Misono Miwa
Shouma Kai
Ichiya Sawada
Teppei Koike
Takatsugu Masaki
Jiei Wakabayashi
Ryusei Kuze
Kentaro Ito
Ritsu Niimi
Crew
Director
- Noboru Iguchi
Producer
- Yuka Jimbo
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Lock-On Love represents a fascinating example of Romance/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Noboru Iguchi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Lock-On Love took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Lock-On Love shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Satan's Schoolgirls, which focuses more on action than character development, Lock-On Love subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Be-Bop High School 2 and Sand Chronicles explore similar territory, Lock-On Love stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 12, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 35m
