FANTASIA 2023: ‘As Long As We Both Shall Live’ Excels With Romantic Storyline

Ayuko Tsukahara directs As Long As We Both Shall Live, based on the popular light novel series My Happy Marriage by Akumi Agitogi. Premiering at the Fantasia Film Festival 2023, Tsukahara’s direction impresses with high-conceptualized imagery and a lush scope of vision that enhances this romance touched by fantasy and the supernatural. A story that’s almost too big for the confines of a two-hour runtime, there’s something for everyone from the magical elements and action-packed fight scenes to the thematic threads of lasting grief and trauma, the sweeping romance, and the opulence of the costumes. 

Set in a fantastical version of 19th-century Japan, our film follows the eldest daughter of the Saimori clan, Miyo (Mio Imada of Tokyo Revengers). Unlike her family, whose supernatural talents have protected humankind from demonic beings for generations, she’s powerless. Having endured a loveless childhood even since the death of her mother, she’s learned to keep her head down and suffer the abuse leveled at her as a means to an end. “I am accustomed to being neglected,” she mentions in the voice-over and lives not for the sake of finding happiness but of meeting eventual death as a means to reunite with her mother. 

This changes when she meets Kiyoka (Ren Meguro, My Love Mix Up). Believed to be cold, even cruel, she ends up falling for the military commander and finds her affections returned. As just a romance, this would’ve been enough for As Long As We Both Shall Live to excel, especially as we watch the two continue to open up to one another despite their own preconceived notions. Instead, the film finds ways to explore multiple different genres and plot developments as the power structure they exist in grows increasingly insecure. 

With an anime adaption already airing on Netflix, there’s the sensation that the episodic format fits the nature of the story better. This is no knock on the direction or performances. There’s simply too much story to try and rush through to create a fully effective ending. It’s not just the romance and individual storylines too that eat away at the story’s runtime but the dense and detailed lore that builds this world. The demonic energy that Kiyoka is fighting as commanding officer, the different factions and family power dynamics that dictate certain social constructs, and the abilities that those like Kiyoka wield are all given little explanation as the series churns through the plot. It’s certainly not the first story to forgo excessive exposition but it’s one of the few where it might’ve been necessary. 

Luckily, despite the supernatural beings and the constantly shifting balances of power, there’s a human story at the heart of the film that allows its greatest moments. Miyo is a tragic character when we first meet her, suffering from lifelong abuse and isolation as she was tasked with being her family’s servant. Imada is terrific over the course of the film as we watch the spark of life slowly begin to reignite as she grows happier and more confident in her settings. It’s almost a shame how often she’s asked to weep, as the sturdiness she displays is some of her finest, most naturalistic moments. 

She and Meguro share a palpable chemistry, often expressed through longing looks that say as much as any dialogue could. Meguro makes for a fine leading man and romantic partner, holding himself with a regality that’s undermined by his coy smiles and uncertain gazes. Moments such as the two going out for a date or hovering under a shared umbrella make for the film’s highlights as we get to watch their love story bloom. 

Aside from some hokey effects, the direction and artistry of the film are superb, with Tsukahara capturing dynamic transitional shots to implement a grandiose point of view. More than anything, though, it’s the costumes that bring light and romance into the visuals, with Masae Miyamoto’s work adding textural vibrancy to the film. 

Fully immersive if messily plotted, As Long As We Both Shall Live leans heavily into spectacle. The result is a thrilling, escapist vehicle that allows its stars to shine. The romance is the most prominent storytelling element and it bolsters the entire film with the chemistry between Mio Imada and Ren Meguro, as these two souls find deeper parts of themselves through their evolving connection. 

As Long As We Both Shall Live played at this year’s Fantasia Film Festival.