Rules of Living – Film Review
How often do we pause and genuinely ask ourselves, “How am I really doing?” Can we look back on life without wondering “what if?” It’s a tough question, as the reality for many of us becomes more about surviving than truly living – dreams carefully locked away while we prioritize duty and making ends meet. This very sentiment lies at the heart of Rules of Living, a delightful multicultural romantic comedy directed and written by Greg Dale. This film didn’t just entertain me; it took me straight to the captivating landscapes of Japan and struck a chord deep within my heart.
Rules of Living introduces us to Mikuko Abe, portrayed with wonderful depth by the wildly talented Kaho Minami. Mikuko is stuck, a divorcee navigating life by simply getting by. Her world is comfortable, perhaps, but closed off. As director Greg Dale puts it in his statement, she represents many who choose dissatisfaction over the risk of the unknown, bound by a sense of duty. The catalyst for change arrives unexpectedly in the form of Vincent, an American visitor sent by Mikuko’s daughter. Vincent is played by Greg Dale himself, pulling triple duty as director, writer, and lead actor.
Initially, Mikuko wants nothing to do with this stranger disrupting her carefully managed existence. But opening her door to Vincent begins to open up her world in ways she never imagined. Watching their relationship unfold is the core of this film and an absolute joy to experience.
Dale, an American who grew up between Monaco and NYC but has lived in Japan for 25 years and speaks Japanese fluently, brings a unique and authentic perspective to this cultural exchange. His extensive experience directing theatre in Japan with legendary actors honed his skills for Rules of Living.
I was impressed by how Dale and Minami brought Mikuko and Vincent to life. Their chemistry is undeniable, beautifully magnifying the simple things in life and sincerely delivering moments of pure joy, quiet reflection, and relatable awkwardness. They navigate the complexities of communication – much of the dialogue is natural in Japanese, but rather than creating a barrier, I felt this enhanced the film’s realism and underscored the importance of connection beyond words. It elevated the experience for me. Greg Dale knocked it out of the park both in his engaging performance as Vincent and for his skillful direction which created unforgettable memories on screen.
Producers Jeffrey Rowe (who also makes an appearance as Lafcadio Hearn) and Katie Rong, created a world that feels relatable and realistic. Rules of Living tackles themes of selflessness, kindness, forgiveness, and crucially, self-love, without feeling preachy. It gently nudges us to consider how easily we can miss out on life’s richness when we’re afraid to step outside our routines. As Dale notes in his director’s statement, it explores how change is always possible, how we’re never too old to learn and grow, and how the melding of cultures can bring understanding and love – a theme he feels is vital in today’s world.
The supporting cast is fantastic. Kippei Shiina as Koichi, Mayuko Kawakita as Nana, and Sumire as Chieko all deliver wonderful performances that feel natural and engaging.
Rules of Living is a feel-good movie. It’s ideal to share with a loved one, or as a treat for yourself when you need warm fuzzy’s. It made me giggle, it brought tears to my eyes, and most importantly, it made me connect with myself. Rules of Living is one beautiful movie I absolutely would regret missing (so catch it at the next available festival). Excellent work by Greg Dale and the entire team!
