The 8-Year Engagement (2017) – Expert Review | Official Watch Links
The trailer above is owned by its respective creators and production companies.
This embed is provided solely for informational and reference purposes.
We do not host or distribute copyrighted material.
The 8-Year Engagement (2017) Synopsis, Cast, Reviews & Watch Links
Movie Stats
Review & Score: The 8-Year Engagement
StreamValid Editorial Review
Hisashi and Mai are a happy couple in their 20s who are engaged to be married. But three months before their wedding, Mai becomes seriously ill. Her heart stops momentarily, and she falls into a deep coma. Hisashi visits Mai at the hospital every day before work. (Auto Summary)
✅ Pros — 2
- Strong acting performance.
- Good production quality.
✖ Cons — 1
- —
- Neutral point not specified.
- Detailed critic review not available yet.
Synopsis
Hisashi and Mai are a happy couple in their 20s who are engaged to be married. But three months before their wedding, Mai becomes seriously ill. Her heart stops momentarily, and she falls into a deep coma. Hisashi visits Mai at the hospital every day before work. With no idea if or when she will ever awake, Mai’s parents encourage Hisashi to find someone else, but he refuses to give up and continues to pray for her recovery. As if his prayers are answered, Mai begins to regain consciousness several years later, and even utters a few words. But tragically, she has suffered brain damage and has no memory of Hisashi.
The 8-Year Engagement presents an emotional and introspective portrait of life, navigating complex relationships, personal failures, and redemptive arcs. It's a compelling meditation on resilience and the human spirit.
Visually, the film is a marvel — every shot meticulously framed to enhance emotion and tone. The cinematography captures the story’s essence, whether through sweeping panoramas or intimate moments. Direction is assured, guiding the audience through the narrative with confident pacing and clear vision. Music and sound design underscore key scenes, elevating tension and enhancing immersion. Every creative element works in unison to produce a memorable and polished experience.
The 8-Year Engagement provides more than just entertainment — it delivers resonance. Audiences are drawn into its emotional undercurrents, finding moments of joy, sorrow, and revelation. The storytelling offers layers that reward thoughtful viewing, blending accessible thrills with deeper meaning. From quiet introspections to intense confrontations, it maintains an emotional rhythm that captivates. It’s the kind of film that lingers in memory, inspiring discussion and introspection long after the credits roll.
In the end, The 8-Year Engagement stands as a shining example of cinematic craft — a harmonious blend of narrative, performance, and technical achievement. It delivers a satisfying arc, fully realizing the potential of its story and characters. Whether you're a loyal follower of or a curious newcomer, this film offers something truly special. It speaks to the power of film as art, storytelling, and shared experience. Few titles manage to resonate so deeply across so many levels — this is one of them.
If you're interested in more great drama films, you might also enjoy: The Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, Marriage Story, The Pursuit of Happyness, Whiplash.
Cast & Characters
- Takeru Satoh as Hisashi
- Tao Tsuchiya as Mai Nakahara
- Hiroko Yakushimaru as Hatsumi Nakahara
- Tetta Sugimoto as Koji Nakahara
- Kazuki Kitamura as Shibata
- Kenta Hamano as Kosuke Murota
- Yuri Nakamura as 岛尾真美子 Mamiko Shimao
- Keisuke Horibe as Doctor Wada
- Kanji Furutachi as CEO of Somen Factory
- Maho Yamada as
Gallery
Where to Watch (US)
Streaming
Not available in your region.
Rent
Not available in your region.
Buy
Not available in your region.
