Love and the Grand Tug-of-war (2020) | Movie

Love and the Grand Tug-of-war movie

🎬 Title: Love and the Grand Tug-of-war / 大綱引の恋

Story: After the financial collapse of 2009, Takeshi, a graduate from Waseda University, finds himself jobless in Tokyo and returns to his family home in Sendai. Reassuming his duties as the heir to the family construction business, he meets resistance from his traditional father, who disapproves of his son’s prolonged single status at 35. However, the upcoming Otsunahiki—an enormous tug-of-war event attracting thousands—forces them to address their differences. Amid this family tradition, Takeshi encounters Jiheyun, a captivating Korean doctor on an exchange program. As family bonds and personal ambitions clash, the Otsunahiki serves as a backdrop for a heartwarming narrative that beautifully showcases Sendai’s rich culture, tugging at the heartstrings of viewers while igniting a desire to explore this enchanting region.

⭐ Rating: 7.5 (2 votes)

📅 Release date: 2020-10-30

⏱️ Runtime: 1h 49m

🎭 Genres: Drama, Romance

🎬 Director: Kiyoshi Sasabe

✍️ Writer: Takashi Shinohara

🌍 Countries: Japan

🏢 Production companies: Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures

Love and the Grand Tug-of-war movie backdrop

👥 Cast: Takahiro Miura (Takeshi), Kang Ji-young (Yeo Ji-hyun), Manami Higa, Ikki Sawamura, Mako Ishino, Seishiro Nishida, Yuichi Nakamura, Wakana Matsumoto, Mayumi Asaka, Takeshi Masu

Editor’s note: In summary, Love and the Grand Tug-of-war (2020) artfully merges Drama and Romance, prioritizing atmosphere over visual spectacle. Kiyoshi Sasabe crafts a focused narrative that highlights character development instead of relying on superficial elements. The performances—especially those of Takahiro Miura, Kang Ji-young, and Manami Higa—inject genuine emotional weight into the story. With a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes, the film effectively utilizes its time. While it isn’t flawless, its strengths far surpass its minor flaws. If the storyline resonates with you, consider adding it to your watchlist.

More Info:
View Love and the Grand Tug-of-war on TMDB
| IMDb