It’s common in Western films depicting interracial romance, largely because those relationships are part of how societies—particularly in North America—are formed. Finding similar stories from Eastern cinema is less frequent, a concept that remains relatively unexplored as far as I'm aware. This film, being Belgian and set entirely in Japan, exemplifies this rarity. I appreciate films like this; they illuminate the potential complications arising from such situations. As someone with affections for both Japanese and French cultures, this one appeals to me on multiple levels. It’s a cross-cultural experience that's enjoyable, especially if you cherish a culture as much as your own life. The film centers around Amelie, a young Belgian woman born in Japan who later returned to Europe with her parents. Now in her twenties, she returns to Japan driven by her love for the country. Initially, she advertises private French lessons and finds a student—a Japanese man already familiar with the language. Their interactions involve exploring the city, immersing themselves in the culture, and learning/teaching through translated conversations in French. Predictably, they fall in love, which is when difficulties emerge. Unlike America, where a Japanese man and a woman of French descent might face fewer cultural obstacles, here, those cultural differences become significant barriers. While the language of romance may be universal, expressing it appropriately presents numerous challenges. Amelie embraces everything about Japan, even climbing Mount Fuji as a way to connect with the culture and rediscover herself during challenging times. Still, she struggles to fully adapt to Japanese customs—in nearly every aspect, from cuisine to romantic relationships, meeting potential in-laws, or considering engagement. > ❝A real Japanese has to climb Mt Fuji.❞ I initially expected something akin to 'My Darling is a Foreigner,' but it felt more like ‘Amélie’ and ‘Citizen Dog.’ It's a film with a distinctly feminine sensibility that can be enjoyed by all adult audiences. The character of Amelie shares similarities with the protagonists of those earlier films, and viewers will likely find her charming, perhaps even become infatuated with her; the actress who portrayed her was essential to the film’s success. However, the ending felt abrupt and disappointing. My immediate thought was that the filmmakers had unnecessarily undermined a beautiful story with such an unsatisfactory conclusion. I initially believed the writer hadn't managed to devise a more compelling climax. My opinion shifted when I learned it was based on a true story—an autobiography, in fact. The narrative unfolds around the time of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, though the timeline doesn’t quite align with the book’s publication date. Regardless, that event significantly shaped the film's resolution. When a movie is rooted in reality, I prefer to experience it as faithfully presented as possible. It shares superficial similarities with 'Before Sunrise,' but the films are fundamentally different. The core message of this film is that while appreciating other cultures can be easy, demonstrating that appreciation through action—particularly within a relationship—is much more complex. It requires sacrifices, especially when love transcends cultural boundaries. The film offers an enjoyable exploration of Japan and its customs. The casting was excellent, as were the locations. It’s likely an underrated film, not widely recognized or appreciated. Those who have seen it generally view it as entertainment, unaware of its autobiographical inspiration. I recommend watching it, especially if you are drawn to Japan and its culture; it's certainly worth seeing. _7/10_

Source on TMDB