Ai no Kotodama, or Words of Devotion is a 2007 Japanese Boys Love film starring Tokuyama Hidenori, Matsuoka Rinako and Saito Yasuka. Admittedly I wasn’t expecting much from the film, thinking it may turn out OK but not amazing like Itsuka no kimi e. But Ai no Kotodama actually turned out to be a very special film. It’s really brilliant and wonderful to watch: leaving you feeling strangely happy by the end (that just shouldn’t be possible with Boys Love XD Just joking, there are other films like this…I know. ^^)

The story follows the relationship between Ootani and Tachibana, and not them finding out they love each other and becoming a couple rather they are already a couple, who have been together so long they know each other inside out, right down to their individual habits and feelings: they probably don’t know what life is without the other. Although their romantic relationship is a secret between them alone, they are known for always being together. Currently they live together, and have done so for almost two years. They have always been together, and never question if they will part. Everything seems perfect and they are so happy together, to the point they probably take such simple happiness for granted. Their little world is finally disrupted though when they suddenly meet an old high school friend, Yuki, who seems to have a crush on Tachibana, making Ootani feel jealous and insecure. A gap forms between them, for once they do not understand each others feelings and suddenly there are obstacles in the way of their happiness. It’s as simple story as it sounds, yet it conveys so much. What really makes this film is just how cute, sweet, and romantic it is. The subtle little glances between characters, the small actions, watching how people interact etc. It’s nice, keeping a calm relaxed pace and always staying light-hearted.

Although sometimes it becomes apparent that the story is lifted from a manga, most of the time is appears very realistic: or maybe it’s just one those stories which draws you in so much until you completely believe it is real. This simple but enchanting film is easy to sit back and chill out to getting completely lost in it in the process. Watching Ootani and Shinya together made me smile. They are such a beautiful couple and I love how they were portrayed as normal people in a normal relationship (and they were already together which makes a change). Both are pretty ordinary the way they act and also look. Good looking yes, but still they look like you’re average student. You could tell they had been together a long time to, which is probably down to the good acting. The actors here really portray their characters well. Tokuyama did well as the shy yet slightly childish Ootani and Saito was excellent as the more outgoing and confident Shinya. And in fact, the perfect chemistry between them was so good to the point where they really do make you think they are a couple. The last sex scene between them was also unique; simply it’s so tender and romantic that it’s almost cheesy. And again, the chemistry between the two actors completes that as another tender romantic scene to make you grin like an idiot. XD As you can tell, watching these two was probably what I enjoyed most XD But Matsuoka also did a brilliant job of conveying her characters own insecurities in subtle looks etc. I actually liked the character of Yuki, who was also a relatively normal character- cute, outgoing, sweet and kind. And although originally she seems to be the bitch to hate for destroying their relationship, she does become a character with whom you can sympathise with. Yes, the characters they portray so well are characters you can love. They are not the most 3D characters ever; you don’t know much of their pasts or their dreams. All you really know is their current selves, how they currently live their lives and then through that you get glimpse of their personalities: but yet somehow it’s more than enough. It means the film isn’t burdened by angsty pasts, nor dragged out too long so they can stuff in all those memories.

Admittedly there’s no passion in this, there’s no fiery emotions or extreme lust/anger/hatred etc. It’s not like they broke up, nor did anyone/everyone die (*cough*Bangkok love story*cough*) or get brutally murdered in a crime of passion (looking at you there Boys Love): more like their relationship teetered for a moment, then they got back together and their relationship became stronger for experiencing those new feelings of Jealousy and insecurity. Yuki herself also grew from losing her love. So as a simple love story it’s just perfect and sometimes…it’s nice to watch something that doesn’t depress you for days afterwards but instead lingers as a happier memory