We Made a Beautiful Bouquet (2021) is a tender and poignant Japanese romantic drama that captures the essence of fleeting love and the bittersweet nature of growing apart. The film, directed by Nobuhiro Doi and written by Yuji Sakamoto, offers a realistic portrayal of modern relationships, where timing and circumstance often shape the course of love.
The story begins with an almost serendipitous encounter between two strangers, Mugi and Kinu, who miss the last train home. Bonded by their shared interests in art, music, and literature, the two quickly develop a deep connection that blossoms into a relationship. Their love feels effortless, filled with the joys of simple moments—cooking together, late-night conversations, and supporting each other’s dreams.
However, as time passes, the challenges of adulthood begin to weigh on them. Career aspirations, personal growth, and the pressures of societal expectations gradually drive a wedge between them. The film delicately portrays the subtle yet inevitable drift that occurs when two people who once seemed perfect for each other start moving in different directions.
One of the film’s most striking elements is its honesty. We Made a Beautiful Bouquet doesn’t romanticize love as something eternal or idealized. Instead, it acknowledges that sometimes love is not enough to sustain a relationship. Despite the affection and memories Mugi and Kinu share, they must face the reality that their lives are no longer aligned.
The beauty of the film lies in its celebration of what once was. Even as the two part ways, their love is not portrayed as a failure but as a precious and transformative experience—one that leaves behind a “beautiful bouquet” of memories.
We Made a Beautiful Bouquet is a heartfelt reflection on the impermanence of love and the quiet, unspoken ways in which people leave their marks on each other’s lives. It resonates deeply with anyone who has loved and lost, reminding us that even short-lived romances can hold enduring significance.