Ride Or Die (2021) Today

The story kicks off with a heavy premise: Rei (Kiko Mizuhara), a woman who has been in love with her former classmate Nanae (Honami Sato) for years, discovers that Nanae is living in a nightmare of domestic abuse. When Nanae asks for help, Rei takes the ultimate leap—she murders Nanae’s husband to set her free.

While the film has received mixed reviews for its slow-burn pacing and graphic violence, it stands out for several reasons: Ride or Die (2021)

Road Trip to Nowhere: The Beautiful, Brutal World of Ride or Die (2021) The story kicks off with a heavy premise:

Unlike many LGBTQ+ films that focus on the discovery of identity, Ride or Die treats the central relationship as a high-stakes, "all-in" thriller. It’s a rare piece of representation in Japanese cinema that doesn't shy away from being dark and complicated. The Verdict: Is It For You? It’s a rare piece of representation in Japanese

If you’re looking for a gritty, atmospheric character study that asks how far you’d go for the person you love, this is a road trip worth taking. Just don’t expect a "happily ever after" in the traditional sense.

Director Ryuichi Hiroki and cinematographer Tadashi Kuwabara capture Japan with a distinct flair. From the neon-soaked streets of Tokyo to desolate country train stations, every frame feels intentional and intimate.