Stay

Stay is the story of a brief romance that occurs over a couple of days in Tokyo. No doubt many a traveler will be able to relate to that experience and how memorable and intense the feeling is. The protagonist Ryu (Shogen) has had a fall from grace as a result of drug abuse. After being fired from yet another job, he meets a foreigner, Hope (Ana Tanaka), in a nightclub and events unfold from there. Here you might expect the usual trope of him falling more into drug and alcohol abuse with imminent rescue from the fall by Hope. But not all. Instead, what develops is a warm and sincere intimacy, with naturalism instead of dramatics, even in its darkest moments, and this is what gives Stay its appeal. Shogen and Tanaka are convincing in their roles and are well supported by Natsuhi Ueno (Risa) and Shima Onishi (Bo) as the friends that Ryu could do without. An additional bonus is the wonderful streets scenes of Tokyo, many of which are off the well beaten tourist tracks and a soundtrack that put me in mind of Murakami's novels.

This romantic film's male lead is great. But the real star is the city of Tokyo.

Stay reminded me of my time living in Tokyo. Easy to like this movie for the story or scenery. The main characters dilemma would be something unheard of in old Japan and reflects changes in modern Japanese society. Good stuff

"Stay" is an amazing production. It is beautifully shot, and its direction and casting are stellar.

The story felt so natural. After experiencing the opening sequence and beginning to sympathize with Ryu's despair, magic occurred. Soon, I was rooting for him to get his life back and for him to convince Hope to "stay."

The chemistry between the two lead actors, Shogen (Ryu) and Ana Tanaka (Hope), feels like watching two people really falling in love while their banter and playfulness retain the story's cinematic quality.

Glimpses into specific aspects of Japanese culture are refreshing, but the story and its themes are universal.

Writer and director Darryl Wharton-Rigby has delivered with this one. I look forward to this brilliant storyteller's next film.

Having lived in Japan as a foreigner, I really appreciated the look(s) of this movie. Rookie cinematographer Goldberg conveys the obvious expanse and energy of Tokyo but also the intimacy found in its finer fractal dimensions. Both leads are infinitely watchable. Though at first I thought the dialogue and cuts were too slow, in the end I believe they were suited the characters and were in useful contrast to the city. The odd dynamic between the lovers eventually makes perfect sense, and never before has an unresolved ending been so satisfying. The entire team putting this film together is to be commended! With a little bigger budget, maybe they could actually spring for a fight scene. ;) I will eagerly follow the future efforts of this talented crew!