Netflix is set to release an original film titled Ride or Die, based on the manga Gunjo from Ching Nakamura, this April on the service worldwide, with the first visuals and casting information now available.
Netflix’s Japanese original content has been on the rise over the past few years, including high-quality films like Forest of Love and series like Alice in Borderland and The Naked Director. As a result, I have a lot of hope that the upcoming Netflix original film Ride or Die will live up to the high expectations I’ve got for it upon a viewing of the film’s promotional content and a perusal of the movie’s synopsis.
〜決して叶わぬ恋のために、人を殺した女と殺させた女〜
水原希子 x さとうほなみ 主演。二人の行き場の無い逃避行を描いたロードムービー『彼女』が、4月15日からNetflix にて独占配信されます。@kikoxxx @honami_s #彼女 pic.twitter.com/7QQJhj0Lm6
— Netflix Japan (@NetflixJP) February 13, 2021
Ride or Die centers on two women: Rei Nagasawa (played by Kiko Mizuhara, a fashion designer, model and actress known for roles in Mika Ninagawa’s Helter Skelter, Norwegian Wood and the live-action Attack on Titan films) and Nanae Shinoda (Honami Sato, the drummer from rock band Gesu no Kiwami Otome). Rei is a lesbian who has been in love with Nanae since she was in high school, while Nanae is trapped in an abusive household suffering domestic violence from her husband. Rei kills Nanae’s husband for her, which leaves Nanae scared of what her friend is capable of, while steeling Rei’s determination to do anything to protect Nanae.
Both want to love, but feel disconnected by their fraying emotions and their circumstances.
The initial visuals for the film, released by Netflix Japan on Twitter over the weekend, feature Mizuhara’s side profile with the hands of another reaching for her hair, making for a minimal visual that gives little away, but sets a tone for the film of a potentially tragic thriller of two women in love and on the run. Directed by Ryuichi Hiroki, known for films like Side Job and The Egoists, the film will hopefully benefit from his experience. The theme song is provided by Haruomi Hosono.
Ride or Die hits Netflix on 15 April.