And Life Goes On (2019)

2h 15m | PG-13

⭐ 9.5 / 10

Despite losing her parents at age three in a car accident, Toko experiences an idyllic childhood thanks to her uncle, who raises her. She dreams of being an actress and, having had some local notoriety in her town, she is ready to take a leap of faith and travel to Tokyo to audition. But, as fate would have it, her hopes are dashed as her world and her country are turned upside down when Japan is struck by the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. This motivates Toko to assist with aid efforts in Kesennuma where she meets volunteer organizer Kiyotaka. While she initially senses something about Kiyotaka is amiss in the midst of their devastated surroundings, feelings of hope grow as do their feelings for one another.