2
An Inaugural Dive into Fantasy, Live-Action Anime, and Meiji Japan
This review was first written in my head at 2 a.m., immediately after watching the movie. I re-enacted every line in my mind, whispering my own witty commentary like some possessed drama critic. If I’d done it out loud, in daylight, I would have been sent in for mental evaluation.. So for the sake of sanity and public safety, Lets get into it.
I have a what I call a “queue survival” playlist, movies I keep downloaded for those painfully long waits in life (airports, banking halls, waiting for friends who think “I’m on my way” means “I’m still in bed”). All I need is noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses and a strong OST. Because the fact that I’m outside doesn’t mean I need to see the world.
ALAWBSL sat patiently on that list. I don’t remember when I downloaded it, or if I even read the synopsis. I’m glad I didn’t because I might’ve skipped it if I knew it involved fantasy. And that would’ve been a mistake. Also, I had zero clue it was based on a manga, went in blind, no expectations, and this review reflects my first impression and personal opinion.
SETTING THE SCENE:
According to my post-movie Googling rituals, this film is set in the late 19th-century Meiji Restoration era, aka my new obsession. (If anyone has Meiji-era recommendations, slide them over) And so you know "A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days With You" just jumped higher on my PWL..Talk about commitment. The first part of the movie is what I'd call the appetizer, a gentle introduction to what would become the biggest, most mind-blowing display of power I've ever witnessed. It introduces us to the simple characters, the complex ones, and everyone in between. And amidst all the chaos, love subtly blossoms
And then… the real feast.
THE STORY & THE CHARACTERS:
In this universe, spirits and magic exist, but their influence is fading. Enter Miyo Saimori, our frail, painfully soft-spoken heroine. She was born without any supernatural gift, unlike the rest of her family. This unfortunate genetic hiccup condemns her to a life of servitude under her truly evil stepmother. She's weak, a total doormat, and for a hot minute, you might think you're in for another tired "bullying" trope. But beneath that broken exterior lies a beautiful soul who, if treated with kindness and love, would move mountains for the ones she cares about. And that, my friends, is where our magnificently white haired ML swoops in.
Kiyoka Kudou is elegant, mysterious, ridiculously powerful, BFFs with the Heir to the throne and raised by the Emperor himself (meaning his authority is unmatched). Also: coldest fish in the freezer. His reputation is so frosty that no respectable family wants to send their daughter to him. So naturally, Miyo’s family, ever the opportunists, ships her off to marry him like a lamb to slaughter. Little did she know this “slaughterhouse” might actually be her salvation.
Magic, power plays, emotional confrontations, and a love story blooming in the middle of chaos. Our “cruel” ML slowly softens towards Miyo. He may not fully understand why he feels empathy for her, but he does, and it transforms him. He makes it his mission to uncover her family’s abuse and protect her, even if it means burning the world down. Literally. (One of the most glorious scenes I’ve seen in a live-action fantasy movie, by the way.)
THE AESTHETIC:
The Japanese are gods of cinematography. Full stop. The opening scene alone felt like stepping into a living painting, like I had accidentally walked into a Windows 11 wallpaper, and I mean that as the highest compliment. The colors, the textures, the atmosphere, stunning. The voiceover in the beginning almost made me regret using my headphones that can produce 20,000Hz (because why did I feel that monologue in my bones?). Since this was my first real foray into fantasy and magic, and as someone who usually avoids even a mild horror movie, I almost bailed. But as the story unfolded and I grasped the narrative, I calmed down and just let myself be completely immersed.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
As Long As We Both Shall Live or Happy Marriage as it is popularly known, felt like more than just a movie, it was a beautifully shot story of resilience, and unexpected love. This isn’t just a romance. It’s a redemption arc. A misunderstood hero who’s more than his power, a woman discovering her worth, and a love that becomes their shared refuge. It took me by surprise in the best way, and I left with that strange, bittersweet feeling of wanting more. It was too short. So much of their time was spent battling enemies that their relationship didn’t get the growth it deserved. I wanted more stolen moments, more quiet intimacy, more space for their love to fully blossom. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But don’t blame me if you finish it wishing for a sequel.
I have a what I call a “queue survival” playlist, movies I keep downloaded for those painfully long waits in life (airports, banking halls, waiting for friends who think “I’m on my way” means “I’m still in bed”). All I need is noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses and a strong OST. Because the fact that I’m outside doesn’t mean I need to see the world.
ALAWBSL sat patiently on that list. I don’t remember when I downloaded it, or if I even read the synopsis. I’m glad I didn’t because I might’ve skipped it if I knew it involved fantasy. And that would’ve been a mistake. Also, I had zero clue it was based on a manga, went in blind, no expectations, and this review reflects my first impression and personal opinion.
SETTING THE SCENE:
According to my post-movie Googling rituals, this film is set in the late 19th-century Meiji Restoration era, aka my new obsession. (If anyone has Meiji-era recommendations, slide them over) And so you know "A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days With You" just jumped higher on my PWL..Talk about commitment. The first part of the movie is what I'd call the appetizer, a gentle introduction to what would become the biggest, most mind-blowing display of power I've ever witnessed. It introduces us to the simple characters, the complex ones, and everyone in between. And amidst all the chaos, love subtly blossoms
And then… the real feast.
THE STORY & THE CHARACTERS:
In this universe, spirits and magic exist, but their influence is fading. Enter Miyo Saimori, our frail, painfully soft-spoken heroine. She was born without any supernatural gift, unlike the rest of her family. This unfortunate genetic hiccup condemns her to a life of servitude under her truly evil stepmother. She's weak, a total doormat, and for a hot minute, you might think you're in for another tired "bullying" trope. But beneath that broken exterior lies a beautiful soul who, if treated with kindness and love, would move mountains for the ones she cares about. And that, my friends, is where our magnificently white haired ML swoops in.
Kiyoka Kudou is elegant, mysterious, ridiculously powerful, BFFs with the Heir to the throne and raised by the Emperor himself (meaning his authority is unmatched). Also: coldest fish in the freezer. His reputation is so frosty that no respectable family wants to send their daughter to him. So naturally, Miyo’s family, ever the opportunists, ships her off to marry him like a lamb to slaughter. Little did she know this “slaughterhouse” might actually be her salvation.
Magic, power plays, emotional confrontations, and a love story blooming in the middle of chaos. Our “cruel” ML slowly softens towards Miyo. He may not fully understand why he feels empathy for her, but he does, and it transforms him. He makes it his mission to uncover her family’s abuse and protect her, even if it means burning the world down. Literally. (One of the most glorious scenes I’ve seen in a live-action fantasy movie, by the way.)
THE AESTHETIC:
The Japanese are gods of cinematography. Full stop. The opening scene alone felt like stepping into a living painting, like I had accidentally walked into a Windows 11 wallpaper, and I mean that as the highest compliment. The colors, the textures, the atmosphere, stunning. The voiceover in the beginning almost made me regret using my headphones that can produce 20,000Hz (because why did I feel that monologue in my bones?). Since this was my first real foray into fantasy and magic, and as someone who usually avoids even a mild horror movie, I almost bailed. But as the story unfolded and I grasped the narrative, I calmed down and just let myself be completely immersed.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
As Long As We Both Shall Live or Happy Marriage as it is popularly known, felt like more than just a movie, it was a beautifully shot story of resilience, and unexpected love. This isn’t just a romance. It’s a redemption arc. A misunderstood hero who’s more than his power, a woman discovering her worth, and a love that becomes their shared refuge. It took me by surprise in the best way, and I left with that strange, bittersweet feeling of wanting more. It was too short. So much of their time was spent battling enemies that their relationship didn’t get the growth it deserved. I wanted more stolen moments, more quiet intimacy, more space for their love to fully blossom. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But don’t blame me if you finish it wishing for a sequel.
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