Ride or Die

Netflix’s Ride or Die (2021): The Steamy, Violent Romance That Divided Fans

Ride or Die (Japanese title: Kanojo), the 2021 Netflix original directed by Ryuichi Hiroki, arrived with little fanfare but quickly became one of the platform’s most talked-about Japanese films of the year. Starring Kiko Mizuhara and Honami Sato, the movie blends romance, drama, and thriller elements into a story that’s as polarizing as it is graphic. latestnetflix.com's take is that here’s what we know about the film’s behind-the-scenes buzz, its reception, and why it left audiences so divided.

A Dark, Unflinching Love Story

Ride or Die follows Rei (Kiko Mizuhara), a woman who murders her abusive husband after reconnecting with her childhood crush, Nanae (Honami Sato). The two flee together, sparking a passionate but increasingly violent romance that spirals into obsession and crime. The film’s tone is unapologetically raw, mixing eroticism with brutal realism—a signature of director Ryuichi Hiroki, known for his work on Vibrator (2003) and It’s Only Talk (2005).

The trailer alone set the internet abuzz, with its promise of "seriously graphic" content , . Early reviews confirmed the film lived up to the hype, with critics and viewers split between calling it a bold exploration of love and desperation or an exploitative, over-the-top melodrama. One reviewer described it as "a fever dream of passion and violence" , while another warned it was "not for the faint of heart" .

Casting Kiko Mizuhara: From Model to Controversial Lead

Kiko Mizuhara, a former model and actress with a global following, took on her most challenging role yet as Rei. Known for her work in Norwegian Wood (2010) and Attack on Titan (2015), Mizuhara’s casting was a major draw for international audiences. But Ride or Die demanded more than just star power—it required her to navigate explicit sex scenes, emotional breakdowns, and a morally ambiguous character.

Honami Sato, who plays Nanae, was relatively unknown outside Japan before the film’s release. Her chemistry with Mizuhara became a focal point of the movie’s marketing, with Netflix highlighting their on-screen intimacy in trailers , , . Rumors swirled about the intensity of their off-screen dynamic during filming, though neither actress has publicly commented on whether their real-life rapport influenced the performances. (Unconfirmed: Some fans speculated the two grew close during production, but no credible sources have verified this.)

Reception: Love It or Hate It, But You Can’t Ignore It

Ride or Die’s critical reception was mixed, with a 4.4/10 rating on SensCritique based on 159 votes . While some praised its bold storytelling and Mizuhara’s performance, others criticized its pacing and what they saw as gratuitous violence. The film’s runtime—142 minutes—also became a sticking point, with detractors calling it "overlong" .

Netflix’s decision to market the movie as a "must-watch" romance backfired for some viewers, who felt misled by the film’s darker themes. One review called it "a bait-and-switch for fans of lighthearted love stories" , while another argued it was "a masterclass in toxic relationships" . Despite the divide, Ride or Die found a niche audience, particularly among fans of Japanese indie cinema and LGBTQ+ narratives.

Behind the Scenes: The Challenges of Filming a "Seriously Graphic" Movie

The film’s explicit content posed logistical and emotional challenges for the cast and crew. Director Ryuichi Hiroki is no stranger to pushing boundaries, but Ride or Die’s blend of sex and violence required careful handling. (Unconfirmed: Some reports suggest intimacy coordinators were brought in to ensure the actors’ comfort, but no official sources have confirmed this.)

Mizuhara and Sato’s performances were widely praised, though neither has spoken in detail about the filming process. One thing is clear: Ride or Die was never meant to be a crowd-pleaser. As one reviewer put it, "This is a movie that demands your attention—and possibly your discomfort" .