LOVE ON TRIAL

A film by Koji Fukada

Cast : Kyōko Saitō, Erika Karata, Kenjiro Tsuda, Yuuna Nakamura, Yuki Kura, Sakura Hinako

drama / Japan, France / 124’ / Color / status : completed / Japanese / long feature-film

Mai, a rising J-Pop idol, is finally about to have her big break when she unexpectedly falls in love. But in a treacherous industry where young singers must maintain an image of flawless purity, love is forbidden. When her relationship is exposed, Mai’s agency takes drastic action, dragging the couple to court over the “no love” clause in her contract, throwing her life into chaos.

Japanese master Koji Fukada (Love Life – Venice Competition 2022, Harmonium – Cannes UCR 2016) delves into the dazzling yet ruthless world of J-Pop, delivering an intimate love story intertwined with sharp social commentary. Inspired by true events, LOVE ON TRIAL is a poignant drama about freedom, defiance, and a woman’s fight to reclaim her life.

Press

«The latest by Koji Fukada bears the hallmarks of the director’s deliberate pacing and quiet observation.»

Screen Daily

«A heartfelt, Hamaguchi-shaped work of two halves that expands his palette to suit an ever-more-openly political cinematic climate.»

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