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Aichaku

  • 2024
  • 1h 58m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
625
YOUR RATING
Christopher Nishizawa and Christopher McCombs in Aichaku (2024)
American expat Lucas works at a small, struggling English language school in the countryside of Chiba, Japan and is doing what it takes to make ends meet with his meager salary. In the same town, half-Japanese Ken has been working at his uncle's construction business since he was fifteen years old and is struggling to figure out what he wants with his life. Over the course of three days, Lucas and Ken meet and help each other realize how important it is to have people and places to attach yourself to.
Play trailer2:35
7 Videos
16 Photos
DramaRomance

The lives of an American expat and a half Japanese construction worker living in rural Japan are forever changed over the course of three days as they engage in an unexpected romance.The lives of an American expat and a half Japanese construction worker living in rural Japan are forever changed over the course of three days as they engage in an unexpected romance.The lives of an American expat and a half Japanese construction worker living in rural Japan are forever changed over the course of three days as they engage in an unexpected romance.

  • Directors
    • Raito Nishizaka
    • Michael Williams
  • Writer
    • Christopher McCombs
  • Stars
    • Christopher McCombs
    • Christopher Nishizawa
    • Cynthia Cheston
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    625
    YOUR RATING
    • Directors
      • Raito Nishizaka
      • Michael Williams
    • Writer
      • Christopher McCombs
    • Stars
      • Christopher McCombs
      • Christopher Nishizawa
      • Cynthia Cheston
    • 11User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos7

    Aichaku - Theatrical Trailer -
    Trailer 2:35
    Aichaku - Theatrical Trailer -
    AICHAKU - Teaser Trailer -
    Trailer 0:31
    AICHAKU - Teaser Trailer -
    AICHAKU - Teaser Trailer -
    Trailer 0:31
    AICHAKU - Teaser Trailer -
    Aichaku: One Fork
    Clip 1:35
    Aichaku: One Fork
    Aichaku: American Underwear
    Clip 1:16
    Aichaku: American Underwear
    Aichaku: Do You Know Him?
    Clip 0:50
    Aichaku: Do You Know Him?
    Aichaku: Save the School
    Clip 1:15
    Aichaku: Save the School

    Photos16

    View Poster
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    + 12
    View Poster

    Top cast14

    Edit
    Christopher McCombs
    Christopher McCombs
    • Lucas
    Christopher Nishizawa
    • Ken
    Cynthia Cheston
    Cynthia Cheston
    • Cathy
    Yayoi Fujiwara
    • Marie
    Naoya Gômoto
    Naoya Gômoto
    • Ryosuke
    Emika Kamieda
    • Erika
    Kôichi Sakaguchi
    • Nobu
    Kaori Takeshita
    Kaori Takeshita
    • Yoshiko
    Anya Floris
    • Podcaster
    • (voice)
    Inko Haku
    • Kumi
    Alexander W. Hunter
    Alexander W. Hunter
    • Shadow Customer One
    • (voice)
    Kosuke Imai
    • Otani
    Masahito Kawahata
    • Shibuya
    Bob Werley
    Bob Werley
    • Shadow Customer Two
    • (voice)
    • Directors
      • Raito Nishizaka
      • Michael Williams
    • Writer
      • Christopher McCombs
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews11

    6.9625
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    Featured reviews

    2Davalon-Davalon

    Someone's fantasy

    I struggled to get through this film and finally gave up about 70 minutes in.

    This entire film is apparently a showcase for the (American) lead actor's Japanese speaking ability. As a story, it is predictable and laughable and not really that interesting.

    There is a lot of unnecessary dialogue, there are over-the-top screaming scenes (which are de rigueur for Japanese films, even, apparently, ones featuring foreign leads), there are tired tropes (English teachers in Japan), and there are huge miscalculations by the writer/star, mainly about why anyone would care that he can speak Japanese as well as he does.

    The entire onsen scene came across as totally unbelievable and bizarre and fake.

    The lead actor does tons of mugging and has apparently learned every single Japanese facial expression or reaction, since he has very few of his own.

    His character is not developed at all, and as such, I could not care what happens to him.

    The Japanese actors all fare better, and the lead Japanese "half" actor is legitimately hot and sexy and has potential in the right story (not this one).

    There was tons of unnecessary (and incorrectly chosen) music with singing, played over scenes where the actors were talking -- and yet, how could we understand what they were saying when they were being drowned out by background music?

    The two star rating is for the hot Japanese male lead, who gives us a hint of what paradise might be like in the onsen, but it is nearly totally destroyed by the virginal worry-wart first-time-ever in an onsen foreigner who acts like a scared girl on her first date.

    I have lived in Japan for a long time and I understand a lot of what was going on, and the idea that we are supposed to care about anyone in this film is one that apparently never occurred to the writer/star, since he spent his entire time on screen being obvious about everything he said and did, all without a soupçon of subtlety.
    10andrewingleby

    Beautiful, sweet and gorgeous movie

    It was amazing and what a beautiful setting and story. I've wanted to visit Japan in the past but it made me fall in love more.

    The story of Luke and Ken is beautiful and they make such an cute and powerful couple, a true example that two people can change the course of their futures.

    The Christophers are so compelling and heartfelt. They make it so easy to follow the story and journey of Luke and Ken.

    The setting in Japan compliments the love story and family stories lines so well and bridges two cultures in one bucolic masterpiece of a country.

    Definitely recommend this to everyone an hour and a half well spent.
    10YuenL-4

    Can feel it

    Aichaku is one of those quiet, emotional films that really sticks with you. What unfolds over just a few days is a touching story about identity, connection, and finding where you belong.

    The acting feels really natural, The cinematography is beautiful too; the countryside setting adds a peaceful, almost meditative vibe to the whole film.

    The 1950s-inspired soundtrack is a nice touch, and you can tell a lot of heart went into making this, especially knowing it was partially crowdfunded. It's not flashy or fast-paced, but if you're into character-driven stories with emotional depth, Aichaku is absolutely worth a watch.
    10SamuL-5

    Oriental Dream

    I've been watching this movie often since I discovered it, and every time it moves me as if it were the first time! I usually love movies where the main message is clear from the start, but in this case, there's the surprise that love can do anything! Ken is a boy shaped by the bitterness of life. Without emotions, he suffers because he can't express them and doesn't know what he wants from his life. Then Luke, with his simplicity, wins Ken's heart. This movie is a succession of emotions, but it's not boring because at times it's funny! A beautiful movie! I highly recommend it! The actors are magnificent!
    8ringobatakemomobatake

    Different Perspective

    I'm not a foreigner and I'm not gay. I don't understand everything in this movie. I liked that it still made me feel like I was not an enemy when I watched it. It didn't make fun of Japanese people and straight people were not the villain. It was about life conflicts and all kinds of love. The villain is just situations the characters are in. They have to figure out what is moving forward.

    Was it a perfect movie? No. Was it an interesting movie? Yes. I recommend it. It is worth checking out, especially since it's free on prime video. If it was not free, I am not sure what I would think or feel. For something free though I felt like it had a lot of value, so maybe I would not mind.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      "Aichaku" translates to attachment in the Japanese language, but tends to be used towards the attachment between a person and place or thing, not two people.
    • Soundtracks
      Mary Lou
      Written by First Day Lions

      Performed by First Day Lions

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 1, 2024 (Japan)
    • Country of origin
      • Japan
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Languages
      • Japanese
      • English
    • Also known as
      • 愛着
    • Filming locations
      • Ibaraki, Japan
    • Production company
      • Tokyo Cowboys
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • ¥5,000,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 58m(118 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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