I have not read the manga or watched the series, so I came to this "Director's Cut" movie version with no preconceptions. I thought the story was excellent, the actors gave clear and relatable performances and the cinematography was also really good. A few comments:

-- The screenwriters succeeded beautifully in capturing "Life" in just 110 minutes. From the happy-go-lucky days of youth through tough decisions about career and family, to the enduring quality of love. The ending was as close to a happy ending as one can get, while still being realistic about the inevitability of mortality.

-- Beyond the basic plot elements there were some very important issues handled, and in a very good way. The issue of one partner forcing himself on the other was dealt with in a firm but sensitive manner, and -- even after the issue is resolved with a bit of humor (the electrocution line) -- the audience is left in no doubt about the importance of consent. The question of mixed marriages (with foreigners of different races) was confronted squarely and clearly. (I LOVED Hakira's line "Well now you can see that compared to a homosexual relationship, a mixed marriage isn't so bad!")

-- The cinematography was quite good throughout. Loved the image of the two boys on the line, approaching each other. And the sunrise scene on the beach was spectacular, both for the cinematography and the joyous acting. Never in my life before this have I gotten teary over a cigarette lighter.......

-- While Hakira's angst over his life choices was quite real to me, I thought there was a bit of unreality in the supportive reactions of all the family members -- his sister and father, and Yuki's mother. Maybe I'm just a pessimist, but I don't think they would be won over quite so easily. It was a nice warm touch, though, that Hakira was able to support his sister in her love, after she had supported him years ago over his attraction to Yuki.

-- I found it impossible to suspend my disbelief over the concept that, with no contact at all, Yuki and Hakira would find themselves in faraway Alaska in the same place at the same time, so they could reunite. Just a bit too much of a coincidence for me. Oh well, I just had to take it as a bit of fantasy storytelling.

But don't be dissuaded by my niggles. Altogether, this is a movie well worth watching.