Watch Like Grains of Sand

Like Grains of Sand is a Japanese romantic drama film released in 1995, directed by Ryosuke Hashiguchi. The film stars Yoshinori Okada, Ayumi Hamasaki, Kouji Yamaguchi, and others. The story follows the lives of two young boys, one straight and the other gay, living in a small seaside town and how their lives unfold romantically and otherwise.

The movie opens with a shot of two boys, Nagasawa (Yoshinori Okada) and Kato (Kouji Yamaguchi), walking along the beach on a sunny day. Nagasawa is the studious and reserved one, while Kato is a typical high school student, popular among his peers, and always chasing girls. One day, Nagasawa confesses his feelings to Kato, who is taken aback but ultimately accepts him.

While Kato is somewhat free-spirited and open about his sexuality, Nagasawa is more repressed and struggles with his feelings for Kato. This causes tension between the two, and eventually, Kato decides to pursue a relationship with another girl, Eri (Ayumi Hamasaki).

The film then takes a turn towards Eri's story, as we see her own struggles with the confusing world of relationships and love. Eri, who had a traumatic experience with an older man she meets through work, develops a complex view of romance and finds it difficult to trust anyone. When Kato shows interest in her, Eri becomes skeptical and fearful that Kato will also end up hurting her.

As the story progresses, we see how the lives of these characters are intertwined and how their relationships affect each other. Through the characters' experiences, the movie explores themes such as love, sexuality, friendship, and the confusion and complications that come with growing up.

The cinematography in Like Grains of Sand is breathtaking, and the shots of the seaside town and the beach serve to capture the beauty of the setting. The film also features a dynamic score that heightens the emotional impact of the story.

The performances by the actors are superb, with Yoshinori Okada as Nagasawa delivering a particularly impressive performance in conveying the complex emotions of his character. Kouji Yamaguchi as Kato also gives a memorable portrayal of a young man grappling with his sexuality.

Overall, Like Grains of Sand is a poignant and beautifully made film that delves into the rocky journey of adolescence and the complexities of love and relationships. It is a coming-of-age story that explores the depths of human emotions, and it is a must-watch for any fan of romantic dramas.