I always find myself scouring books and movies during my free time. But this movie was not accidentally found under the covers of dusty cupboards or old bed sheets. It's a movie that I have watched with my love one, and it's a movie I'll cherish even after she's gone.Be with you (Ima, Ai Ni Yukimasu) is a film that's affected my sense of time, both in the real world and the dream world. And it's going to do so for the years to come. Mind you guys, I'm more of a fan of chick flicks and B movies that just stretches my face because of laughter. But if you ever get a glimpse of this movie, you'll definitely find yourself thinking of other reelers like The Time Traveler's Wife.The story is non-linear and linear at the same time. It's a love story, not that revolves between two lovers but a love story of a family. It's mushy, funny at some point... just the right type of movie that you would enjoy watching during a blissful rainy day, pun intended. What I really like about the flick is how the actors gave the characters, well, their characters. Raw emotions here and there. Even Yuji, the kid, was awesome. The non-diegetic scoring (outside of the film sounds and tunes) fit at every moment.No wonder it grossed around 47 million dollars!This film is not for the typical man, because only real man can appreciate the beauty of having a family.I heard the book is a great read too. If you want a funny movie with a theme similar to this one, I recommend watching Cyborg Girl (Boku no Kanojo wa Saibōgu).But if you really want to cuddle and kiss under the rain, this movie is a definite must-watch, together with pizza, cola, and a roll of tissue.

I never thought this film would pull me through! But I got to develop the faith right from the beginning for this film. From the start I never get that instantly pulled. I thought of the preliminary portions to be weak, dense and unconvincing. Surprisingly, while the film progresses it gave me a pinch to watch it more thoroughly. I saw Takumi's (Nakamura Shidou) character unfold. He was weak, careless and looks dumb-witted, but his love for his only child and wife is unquestionable. I saw his son Yuji, whom I thought in the beginning, was a different person (considering he's already 18 during that time—I got temporarily confused). He was an innocently, kind-hearted child who loves his father very much and yearns for his mother's care. Mio (Yuko Takeuchi) was the wife of Takumi, whose character seems complicatedly mixed in the life of the father and son. I found the story really interesting. I never imagined there are lots of stories in Japan as beautiful as this. I love the simplicity and uniqueness of the story. How it begin, how it progressed, how it elevated and unraveled all the lingering questions about the characters and the situation. I love the characters, the life they've created. I also didn't expect Nakamura Shidou to play the part. He was for me a stiff character, playing the roles of serious man, but this changed my viewpoint to him as a potential actor capable of playing well any role given to him. This is the first time I saw Yuko Takeuchi. I wouldn't really consider her acting here superb, but nevertheless she played her part very well. I can see well how she acted the mother she would be for Yuji. Overall the film is indeed very good. I have to admit it touched me deeply. I didn't even expect I have all those tears rolling in my face when Mio said her goodbyes to Takumi in the near end! Gosh since "The Notebook" and "A Walk To Remember" this story made my heart jerk and let my eyes cry till it subsided. I recommend this to anyone who loves unique, though not that very captivating, simple but beautiful story to watch and seat how the story unfolds. One may not like the characters as how they played their part, but the story is worthy enough and may change your mind about the characters.

Well,i'm having insomnia now,thanks to the movie! I'm terribly obsessed! My head and heart keep on saying "Rain! Rain! Rain! Don't stop!!! Not now!!! Please..." How i wish the rainy season would never end...Initially, i really thought that it was yet another typical so-called Japanese romance plot. Guess what? I was wrong! When Mio comes back to life, i was full of questions, "is she an alien? a spirit? a ghost? a robot? an angel? or a fairy?" (but definitely not a devil! cause she is too beautiful and innocent for that! well, my personal opinion)When it comes to the end, speechlessly touching... A beautifully crafted sci-fi (i guess?)... Could you imagine a guy sobbing while eating instant noddle in front of a monitor screen? WARNING! Don't take this movie as ordinary romance, it's more about courage and destiny. Are you still willing to love, even if it will cost your life? After all, LOVE would be the magical answer to that.This is no doubt a MASTERPIECE! Strongly recommend, this movie is a MUST WATCH!!! 10/10 stars

Doi Nobuhiro began his career directing a string of successful Japanese TV melodramas such as the poignant student-teacher romance "Majo No Joken" ('99) and the emotionally charged "Beautiful Life" ('00). Doi's beautiful storytelling style easily won over audiences and it was just a matter of time that he would bring his skillful talents to the big screen.Based on the tearful novel by Ichikawa Takuji of the same name, "Ima Ai Ni Yukimasu" (Lit. I Will Go To You AKA Be With You) was Doi's first foray into movies and is a deeply touching and romantic film that is a definite winner.As many here at IMDb have noted, while the story does seem somewhat sentimental and melodramatic at points, the story is beautifully told and will have you believing in the power of love and destiny."Ima Ai Ni Yukimasu" pulls at the heart strings with its slow and methodical presentation at showing the developing love between the two lovers, Mio and Takumi.Nakamura Shido (Yamato, Letters from Iwo Jima, Ping Pong) and Takeuchi Yuko (Ring) are fantastic and enchanting as the destined lovers and have a magical chemistry on screen. Takei Akashi is a bit overly cute as young Yuji but is likable.The supporting cast is also superb with the talents of 'You' (the derelict mother from "Dare Mo Shirenai" AKKA Nobody knows) and Ichikawa Mikako (Natsuko Aki from "Cutey Honey").Not surprisingly, an American remake is being planned (2007) entitled "Be With You" and is set to star Jennifer Garner in the role of the "Mio" character. Whether it will have the same emotional impact as the original remains to be seen. For now audiences should seek this gem of a movie out. A perfect film for lovers especially on Valentine's Day.