This Valentine’s Day, fans are treated to a unique cinematic experience with the anime adaptations of the acclaimed novels by Otono Yomoji. The films, To Every You I’ve Loved Before and To Me, The One Who Loved You, are set to premiere simultaneously, offering audiences two distinct emotional endings.
Directed by the renowned Jun Matsumoto (known for Night Raid 1931 and Brothers Conflict) and Ken’ichi Kasai (famous for Honey and Clover and Nodame Cantabile), both films promise to deliver a fresh and engaging visual experience, complete with a rich narrative that delves into the characters’ complexities.
These two films, categorized within the romance genre, explore unique worlds where characters search for ways to travel between parallel universes. The central character, Koyomi, is a young boy navigating through these intertwined stories.
In To Every You I’ve Loved Before, when Koyomi’s father mysteriously disappears, he chooses to live with his mother. The family’s turmoil leads him to become increasingly withdrawn, struggling with communication and unable to form close friendships. However, his sharp intellect and dedication to his studies propel him toward a prestigious third-year program, despite the emotional turmoil.
Kazune Takigawa is Koyomi’s classmate, confident and brilliant. Although she usually avoids deep conversations, one day, she unexpectedly opens up to Koyomi, revealing a secret: she is from a parallel universe and can shift between them. Kazune is deeply enamored with an alternate version of Koyomi.
In To Me, The One Who Loved You, Koyomi decides to follow his father instead of staying with his mother. He meets Shiori Sato at a research institute, where mutual feelings develop amidst the backdrop of familial strife. Their bond grows deeper as they navigate their lives, but their reunion is complicated by the challenges they face.
Although Shiori is warm-hearted and supportive, she often finds herself conflicted, especially as Koyomi attempts to escape the shadows of their shared past. She decides to join him in exploring another parallel universe.
Despite the distinct narratives, both films share a common thread that connects their emotional depths. The production team has meticulously crafted these adaptations, ensuring that both films resonate with audiences, as they explore the nuances of love and choice.
Particularly noteworthy, the anime adaptation offers viewers the chance to influence the ending they desire through their choices while watching. The films have already garnered significant attention in Japan, setting box office records upon release.
In Vietnam, the buzz around these anime adaptations is palpable, with fans eager to experience these beautifully crafted tales. The stories, filled with emotion and depth, promise to be highlights in this year’s cinematic landscape.
To Every You I’ve Loved Before and To Me, The One Who Loved You both premiered on February 10, 2023.
