"I Give My First Love To You" pairs up two of Japan's hottest young actors - Mao Inoue and Masaki Okada - for the first time, playing childhood sweethearts Takuma (Masaki Okada) and Mayu (Mao Inoue, "Boys Over Flowers").

The story begins during their childhood days where Takuma, who is treated by Mayu's father in the hospital, meets and becomes friends with Mayu. When they overhear that Takuma will not live past the age of 20 due to an incurable disease, they make a promise to each other for an uncertain future and wish upon a four-leaf clover in hope of a miracle. In their teenage years, Takuma realises his life clock is ticking and distances himself from Mayu. Later, feelings begin to waver when a woman who suffers a similar illness has a crush on Takuma, and Mayu is wooed by popular athlete Subaru Suzuya. What will become of their first love as the clock continues to tick away on Takuma's limited time?

As the bittersweet love story unfolds (although cliche, but not boring), audiences will be moved to tears, laughter and all sorts of emotions, seeing the character's go through ups and downs. Watching this movie could even remind you on your own first love as we witness the similar aspects of jealousy, arguments and sweet moments. Do ready yourself with some tissues while watching this movie as there are some tear jerking moments.

The director handles romantic elements very well, combining great use of lighting with some breath-taking locations. A "must watch" scene would be when they are in the medical room after Takuma fights some boys who bullied Mayu. The sunset lights up the room in soft gold, spurring up the moment and they kiss in such a beautiful ambient.

The director also carefully utilises recurring scenes that do not have direct relation to the story such as the beach, ticking clock and cherry blossom trees. In Japan, cherry blossom is an enduring metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life, therefore there are shots of fully bloom cherry blossom trees and trees that are only left with falling leaves, signifying the fragile yet beautiful life of Takuma. Adding these scenes help heighten the emotions and correlate with the movie's theme.

The two leads effectively delivered their roles as their heartfelt performances are mature and fitting towards the melodramatic mood. If you've been following the manga series, then you'll be pleasantly surprised with the director's closing that is different from the series.