Drowning Love Ending Explained, Plot, Cast and More

May 2024 · 7 minute read
Drowning Loveis a thought-provoking Japanese film with an ambiguous and emotionally charged ending that explores the complexities of love and the lasting impact of past traumas on the characters' lives.

Drowning Love Ending Explained

In the ending of "Drowning Love," after facing numerous challenges and traumatic experiences, the main characters, Natsume Mochizuki (played by Nana Komatsu) and Kōichirō Hasegawa, nicknamed Koi (played by Masaki Suda), find themselves in a complicated situation.

Article continues below advertisement

During the course of the film, Natsume's life takes a dark turn as she encounters people with malicious intentions in her father's hometown, Ukigumo. She becomes the target of sexual assault attempts due to her attractiveness, leading to emotional turmoil and difficulties in her life.

Throughout the story, Natsume finds solace and support in her classmate, Katsutoshi Otomo (played by Daiki Shigeoka), who genuinely loves her and remains by her side despite the challenges she faces.

The turning point comes when Natsume, Koi, and another character named Kana are forced to confront a rapist/stalker who harmed Natsume. In a desperate effort to protect her, Koi and Kana end up killing the assailant. They decide to keep this incident a secret to protect Natsume's future and career.

Article continues below advertisement

The film leaves a sense of ambiguity regarding Koi's fate. In a symbolic scene from Natsume's film, she is shown riding a bike with an actor, reminiscent of her time spent with Koi. When the actor replaces Koi in the scene, it suggests that Koi might not be around anymore. The reason for this interpretation is Koi's guilt and belief that he doesn't deserve Natsume's love, given his perceived failure to protect her.

Despite their strong feelings for each other, the traumatic events they experienced together made it difficult for them to be together romantically. Koi wants Natsume to shine and achieve her dreams, even if it means he cannot be with her.

Article continues below advertisement

In conclusion, "Drowning Love" ends with a mix of emotions, leaving the audience with an open-ended and thought-provoking conclusion about the characters' fates and the sacrifices they made for each other.

Article continues below advertisement

Drowning Love Plot

"Drowning Love"  is a compelling 2016 Japanese film directed by Yūki Yamato, adapted from the manga series of the same name by George Asakura. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Nana Komatsu, Masaki Suda, Daiki Shigeoka, and Mone Kamishiraishi. It made its debut in Japan on November 5, 2016, distributed by Gaga Corporation.

Article continues below advertisementArticle continues below advertisement

The film revolves around the story of Natsume Mochizuki (played by Nana Komatsu), a teen idol from Tokyo who relocates to her father's rural hometown of Ukigumo to support her family's inn and care for her ailing grandfather. There, she encounters Kōichirō Hasegawa, also known as Koi (played by Masaki Suda), the young heir of a prominent family. As they spend time together, a deep emotional connection forms between Natsume and Koi, leading to a complex and dangerous relationship.

Throughout the narrative, Natsume faces numerous challenges in Ukigumo, attracting both admirers and malevolent individuals due to her striking beauty. Regrettably, she becomes the target of sexual assault attempts, resulting in traumatic experiences that shape her life.

The film explores themes of sexuality, adult desires, and societal expectations while delving into the complexities of relationships and the struggles of the main characters.

Article continues below advertisement

The plot further delves into the supportive relationship Natsume forms with her classmate Katsutoshi Otomo (played by Daiki Shigeoka), who unconditionally loves and stands by her side despite the hardships she endures.

As the story unfolds, Natsume, Koi, and another character named Kana find themselves involved in a fateful incident. In a desperate act to protect Natsume, they confront and inadvertently end up killing a rapist/stalker. The trio decides to keep this tragic event a secret to safeguard Natsume's future career.

Article continues below advertisementArticle continues below advertisement

The film's ending leaves viewers with an element of uncertainty regarding Koi's fate. Through a symbolic scene in Natsume's film, where she is seen riding a bike with an actor, it is implied that Koi might not be present anymore. Koi's guilt and belief that he is unworthy of Natsume's love due to his perceived failure to protect her adds to this ambiguous conclusion.

Article continues below advertisement

Despite their deep affection for each other, the weight of the past events complicates their romantic relationship. Koi's ultimate desire is for Natsume to shine brightly and pursue her dreams, even if it means sacrificing their love.

In summary, "Drowning Love" presents a thought-provoking and emotionally charged storyline, grappling with love, sacrifice, and the consequences of traumatic experiences. The film showcases the talent of its cast and the skilled direction of Yūki Yamato, providing a memorable cinematic experience for the audience.

Cast and Characters

ActorCharacter
Nana KomatsuNatsume Mochizuki
Masaki SudaKōichirō Hasegawa
Daiki ShigeokaKatsutoshi Ōtomo
Mone KamishiraishiKana Matsunaga
Ryōhei ShimaN/A
Yōichirō SaitōN/A
Gōichi MineN/A
Ayumu ItōN/A
Masami HoriuchiN/A
Miwako IchikawaMeiko Mochizuki
Mickey Curtis(Character not listed)

Article continues below advertisementArticle continues below advertisement

Drowning Love Review

"Drowning Love" is a Japanese film that weaves a complex and emotionally charged tale of love, sacrifice, and the impact of past traumas on the characters' lives. The ending, in particular, leaves viewers with a mix of emotions and thought-provoking questions.

Article continues below advertisementArticle continues below advertisement

Throughout the film, we witness the blossoming romance between Natsume Mochizuki (Nana Komatsu), a captivating teen idol, and Kōichirō Hasegawa, affectionately known as Koi (Masaki Suda), a young heir from a powerful family. Their love story is anything but ordinary, filled with passion and danger, as Natsume's attractiveness attracts both admirers and individuals with malicious intent, leading to traumatic experiences.

As the narrative unfolds, Natsume, Koi, and their friend Katsutoshi Ōtomo (Daiki Shigeoka) become entangled in a life-altering incident where they confront a rapist/stalker who harmed Natsume. In a moment of desperation to protect her, they make a fateful decision that has profound consequences. The three decide to keep this dark secret hidden to safeguard Natsume's future career and well-being.

The movie's conclusion raises questions about Koi's fate, leaving the audience pondering whether he survives or not. Symbolism plays a key role here, with a scene from Natsume's film mirroring her time spent with Koi, but with an actor replacing him, possibly indicating his absence. Koi's guilt and sense of unworthiness add to the ambiguity of the ending, as he believes he failed to protect Natsume and, consequently, doesn't deserve her love.

Article continues below advertisement

Despite the deep love they share, the weight of their shared past traumas makes it difficult for Natsume and Koi to be together romantically. Koi's ultimate desire is for Natsume to shine and achieve her dreams, even if it means sacrificing their love and happiness for her brighter future.

The ending of "Drowning Love" resonates with audiences, sparking discussions about the consequences of actions taken in the name of love and protection. It delves into the complexities of relationships and the enduring effects of past trauma, portraying the sacrifices made by the characters for each other.

Article continues below advertisementArticle continues below advertisement

In conclusion, "Drowning Love" delivers an impactful and emotionally charged ending, leaving viewers contemplating the intricacies of love, the significance of sacrifice, and the enduring power of past events on one's life. The film's captivating storytelling and the cast's remarkable performances make it an unforgettable cinematic experience that lingers in the minds and hearts of its audience.

Article continues below advertisement

Drowning Love Ending Explained: FAQs

1. What happens at the end of "Drowning Love"?

In the ending of "Drowning Love," Natsume and Koi find themselves in a complicated situation after facing numerous challenges and traumatic experiences throughout the film.

2. Does Koi survive at the end of the movie?

The film leaves the fate of Koi ambiguous, with a symbolic scene suggesting he might not be present anymore. Koi's guilt and belief that he doesn't deserve Natsume's love contribute to this uncertainty.

3. What happens in the confrontation with the rapist/stalker?

Natsume, Koi, and Kana are forced to confront a rapist/stalker who harmed Natsume. In a desperate attempt to protect her, Koi and Kana end up killing the assailant, leading them to keep the incident a secret.

4. How does Natsume's relationship with Katsutoshi Otomo evolve?

Natsume finds solace and support in Katsutoshi Otomo, her classmate, who genuinely loves her and stands by her side despite the challenges she faces.

5. What are the main themes explored in the movie's ending?

The movie delves into themes of love, sacrifice, violence, and the enduring impact of past traumas on the characters' lives, leaving the audience with a thought-provoking and emotionally charged conclusion.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p77ErJ%2BeqqOhtrexjZympmeclsGmv9NomKusmZi5pr%2BOnamor56eu6h5y6itnmWVo7GqusZmnLGonJa2r7HDZqelp6RisKK%2F02aYp5xdoryzsYxqbG5tYWp%2FdoSW