Singer and actor Hwang Chan-seong's starring role in the Japanese film "More Strongly Embrace Than Anyone (誰よりもつよく抱きしめて)" has exceeded the breakeven point after its release and recorded more than double the production cost in revenue, signaling a box office success. It is also set to continue its success in Japan through the global OTT Amazon Prime channel.
Released nationwide in Japan on Feb. 7, this work delicately portrays the bittersweet emotions of characters who desire love yet cannot touch one another, captivating the hearts of audiences.
Mizushima Tsukina (played by Kubo Shiori), who runs a fairy tale bookstore, is living with Mizushima Yoshiki (played by Miyama Ryouki), who dreams of becoming a fairy tale author. However, Yoshiki's obsessive-compulsive disorder makes it difficult for him to have physical contact with his partner, creating a subtle distance between the two. Deciding to seek treatment, Yoshiki meets Chiharu, who has the same symptoms, and starts to interact with her, which leaves Tsukina with complicated feelings. One day, Jaehong (played by Hwang Chan-seong), a South Korean young man who is also hesitant to express love for his partner, appears before Tsukina, bringing their emotional lines to a new phase.
Hwang Chan-seong plays Lee Jaehong, who settled in Japan pursuing his dreams, delicately embodying a character who is calm yet carries deep loneliness within. He noted, "The poignant and beautiful story of lovers who cannot touch one another despite being in love can approach many people who are struggling with relationships between individuals with quiet yet warm comfort. I believe that feelings of love and conflict should not be resolved immediately but rather, as time passes, can help us recall emotions we had forgotten and understand each other. I hope this film gives everyone in love a moment to pause and reflect on their hearts."
The film is directed by Uchida Eiji, known for directing works such as "Midnight Swan," "Silent Love," and the Netflix hit "Director Muranishi in Flesh Color," bringing unique themes to life with nuanced emotional expression and beautiful cinematography, garnering much love from viewers around the world.
Audiences praised it as "a work where sadness and warmth coexist" and "a romance movie that resonates in the heart for a long time," while major review outlets in Japan are also generously complimenting it. The directorial skill of Uchida Eiji, who intricately weaves emotional layers, combined with the actors' chemistry, leaves a profound impression on love and healing.
Director Uchida previously noted, "Actor Hwang Chan-seong added emotional depth to this film. His focus and expressiveness on set were particularly impressive."
[Photo] Provided by Ljel July Entertainment.
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