Cast
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Kiko Mizuhara
as Rei Nagasawa
Honami Sato
as Nanae Shinoda
Yoko Maki
as Mika Oe
Anne Suzuki
as Yu Nagasawa
Shunsuke Tanaka
as Masato Nagasawa
Tetsushi Tanaka
as Yoshio Akiba
Sara Minami
as Young Rei Nagasawa
Yui Uemura
as Young Nanae Shinoda
Shinya Niiro
as Kotaro Shinoda
Setsuko Karasuma
as Ichiko Oe
Jason Brock
as Business Man
Harmeet Obhrai
as Good Looking Bartender
Artemis Snow
as Nanae (voice)
Crew
Director
- Ryuichi Hiroki
Writer
- Ching Nakamura
- Nami Kikkawa
Producer
- Haruo Umekawa
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Ride or Die examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ryuichi Hiroki 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, 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 Ride or Die took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 142 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 186 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ride or Die shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Swan Song, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Ride or Die offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Baian the Assassin and Bad Girls explore similar territory, Ride or Die stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: April 15, 2021
- Runtime: 2h 22m
Where to Watch
