Orange Live Action (2015) is a movie based on the manga “Orange” which is widely loved by the Shoujo genre lovers. Directed by Kojiro Hashimoto, the movie stars Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya in lead roles. The movie revolves around the story of Naho Takamiya (Tao Tsuchiya), a 16-year-old girl who receives strange letters while carrying on her usual routine of going to school. Reading the sender’s address on the letter, Tao is stunned to find that the letters are sent by her future self, ten years ahead.
The future Naho asks her 16-year-old self to prevent a regret from happening. Initially, Naho doesn’t believe everything stated in the letters, but as she finds many things are happening as per the instructions she received, Naho finally accepts the truth they hold. The letter reveals that a transfer student from Tokyo named Kakeru Naruse (Kento Yamazaki) will come. Kakeru is a quiet and reserved boy. But, Naho and her four friends Saku Hagita (Dori Sakurada), Azusa Murasaka (Kurumi Shimizu), Takaki Chino (Hirona Yamazaki), and Suwa Hiroto (Ryusei Ryo) approach Kakeru and become friends with him.
The future Naho tells them that something bad will happen to Kakeru. Despite her initial reluctance, Naho eventually decides to try to prevent what is about to happen. Guided by the instructions given in the letters, Naho does everything to save Kakeru. For Naho, the letters are the fate line that she just needs to follow, and she encourages Kakeru to join the football team even though he has decided not to join any club. She also prevents Kakeru from dating an older student who’s interested in him.
The story moves to 2025, where Naho and Suwa already have a child. On that day, they and their friends plan to visit Kakeru’s house, where a secret about Kakeru is revealed by his grandmother. They find out that Kakeru didn’t die due to an accident but committed suicide. Without Naho’s knowledge, Suwa also receives the same letter from the future. Both of them agreed to prevent this from happening and keep Kakeru with them always, unlike what happens in 2025.
Will their efforts succeed, and can they prevent Kakeru from ending his life? What has Kakeru been regretting all this time?
Although the movie’s story is a bit slow-paced and presented with a calm portrayal, it is unique and offers a different take compared to other Shoujo genre movies. It’s a story of close emotional friendship between the characters, and if you enter the movie’s universe, the slow pace won’t feel boring. The director has beautifully presented the close-up shots of the actors, which will captivate your eyes.
Both Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya have played their lead roles beautifully in the movie. Yamazaki’s performance as Kakeru Naruse is commendable, and he truly deserves the title “Prince of Anime Live Action”. His portrayal matches Kakeru’s image from the manga, and he has acted maturely. Tao Tsuchiya’s role as Naho is equally amazing, and she has acted her part equally well.
In conclusion, Orange Live Action (2015) is a must-watch movie for all Shoujo lovers. The movie’s characters and performances, along with the mesmerizing story, will keep you hooked till the end.
