Love My Life is a colourful, contemporary film that uses modern-day Japan as a parable for self-acceptance and love.

Based on a manga (or Japanese comic) by Ebine Yamaji, who has penned several lesbian-themed works and serials, Koji Kawano's film translation portrays her characters with class, respect, and gentle humour. It's a refreshing change from the cultural or sexual stereotypes one might expect.

The opening shot introduces us to Ichiko, the main character, a university student. Slowly awakening, she begins a playful game of pass-the-grape between she and her lover -another young woman, Eriko. Kawano envelopes her leads in this shot, and throughout much of the film, in a soft, warm light, as if cocooning the girls within their own world of happiness - one that is both childish and child-like, and is full of all the wonder of young love and excitement.

That world is shown in various scenes, of the girls shopping, at the beach, on city street, constantly together. The threat of Ichiko's father not accepting the pair is cleverly subverted by turning the stereotypical "coming out to the parents" scenario on its ear: Ichiko's parents (her mother, though deceased) are both gay too.

Of course, this revelation initially leaves reeling -and frankly, it's a lot for an audience to accept within the first fifteen minutes of the film. We haven't even gotten past the first act, and already we're being loaded down with baggage to carry through the rest of the film's journey.

That baggage, however, turns out to be light indeed, as the revelations are treated with humour as well as humanity. The backstory also proves useful, for it offers insight into the future pain our heroine faces. Eriko (or Eri for short) confesses her heterosexual past after the two run into her (male) ex, and later shuts Ichiko out of her life altogether in preparation for a major set of legal exams she wants to take to spite her father, a scary, hyper-critical figure who doesn't believe she will succeed.

When Ichiko takes a job as a translator on the advice of her own father, we see her applying the same passion to her new-found work as she did to her relationship. She makes peace with her independence, and revels in her new-found sense of accomplishment and worth. She can define herself outside of her relationship to Eri.

As it turns out, Ichiko isn't the only one who's found inner peace; when Eri finally gets in touch, it's revealed that her true passion is writing, and she's been sequestering herself writing a memoir, and not, in fact, stufdying to be a lawyer.

Kawano brings out memorable performances from his young actors, particularly Rei Yoshii in the lead role, Miyoko Asada as her father, and Issei Takahashi as her loyal friend Take, a character who himself decides to come out based on her encouragement. Despite lacking the necessary chemistry with a subdued Asami Imajuku as Eri (the two seem more like best gal-pals than lovers, despite the romantic scenes), the film nevertheless moves along well and capably resolves itself. The palpable arc of love and loss, and a clear sense of momentum, leads to a strong resolution that is both moving and believable.

Love My Life is also nicely scored, thanks to a modern, rock-heavy soundtrack courtesy of Noodles, Japan's best-known rock group. Far from being tinkly and polite, Noodles' modern, guitar-heavy riffs are perfectly suited with the young, contemporary feel of the film, and Kawano has wisely decided to use it sparingly, if effectively, to transition scenes and underline buoyant moments. Emotional scenes are wisely left clean.

The same principle of simplicity works in Jun Fukumoto's contemplative cinematography. The closeness of simple things, like mugs of steaming tea or two gerbera daisies, or the vast sweeping panoramas of a desolate beach or of an empty classroom, all contain a gorgeous resonance and meditative quality that act as a counter-balance to the frenetic pace of the story and numerous characters.

Still, the number of characters, their backstories, and the melodramatic nature of the plot do occasionally weigh the film down -if only very occasionally. It is, frankly, refreshing to see a coming-of-age film portray its leads with such honesty, integrity, and joy. Kawano makes one care about their struggles, even if one can't keep the names or situations quite straight. Like the eggplants Ichiko's father loves so well (a hilarious piece of un-subtle symbolism, if ever there was one), one can't help but be drawn in by the film's sheer assortment of characters, whether they're mohawked punks, gap-toothed nerd-girls, fashion plates, rumpled writers, or sharp-suited businessmen. Everyone has a story, and Kawano, an obvious admirer of Yamaji's manga work, understands this implicitely.

Gay acceptance in traditional Japanese society is still a difficult topic. However, Kawano's film portrays the culture as being open to change, so long as people are wiling to accept their pasts, forgive themselves, and move on bravely, with love.

The title of the film works as both a question, and an answer - in any language.

Arigato!

Love My Life Screens at the ROM on Friday, May 23rd, 9.45pm.
For more information, go to www.insideout.ca.