DIRECTOR

Eriko Kitagawa “Tokyo Love Story”(screenplay)

CAST

Kie Kitano "BANDAGE"
Masaki Okada "Gintama"series

CREW

Written and Directed by: Eriko Kitagawa
Produced by: Shunji Iwai “Love Letter”, Takeshi Kobayashi
Music by: Takeshi Kobayashi
Cinematographer: Shinichi Tsunoda “Odayaka”

Film Festivals & Awards

Puchon IFFF 2009
Taipei Golden Horse FF 2009
Japan Cuts 2009

Duration/Release

85 min. / 2009 / Color

Synopsis

Hiro, a high school senior in Hokkaido, falls in love with her classmate, Shu, agonizing whether Shu feels the same way. Soon they start dating, but their happy days are interrupted by some news: she is planning to apply for a local university, but he is not. Now and forever… “Halfway” depicts the pure and fragile, yet so strong love story of young couple.

Introduction

From the filmmakers of “Swallowtail” and “All about Lily Chou-Chou” comes another beautiful love story, introducing the first-time director Eriko Kitagawa.
It is a bitter-sweet love story of high school couple who cares for each other but struggles for their relationship as the graduation comes closer. Kitagawa, who is also credited as writer in this film, has earned her reputation for her pure and beautiful love stories with her smash hit TV drama series such as “Long Vacation” and “Beautiful Life.” Shunji Iwai ("Love Letter," "New York, I Love You") is producing, along with Takeshi Kobayashi(“Midnight Eagle”) who is also music-producing the film. It stars Kie Kitano and Masaki Okada, delivering their most natural performances, depicting real life of teens.