My SO Has Got Depression (2011 Film)

My SO Has Got Depression (Japanese: ツレがうつになりまして。, Hepburn: Tsure ga Utsu ni Narimashite) is a 2011 Japanese drama film directed by Kiyoshi Sasabe. The film is based on the autobiographical manga series of the same name by Tenten Hosokawa, which chronicles the author's experience supporting her husband through a period of clinical depression.

Promotional poster for the film My SO Has Got Depression.

Plot

The story follows Mikio Takazaki (Masato Sakai), a dedicated salaryman who is diagnosed with clinical depression. His wife, Haruko (Aoi Miyazaki), is a manga artist who has relied on Mikio's steady income. As Mikio struggles with the debilitating effects of his condition, which is linked to high-pressure work demands, Haruko grapples with her own feelings of guilt for failing to notice the early warning signs. The narrative explores the couple's journey as they navigate the challenges of treatment, the decision for Mikio to resign from his position, and the subsequent shift in their marital dynamics.

Production

Director Kiyoshi Sasabe spent four years developing the project before production commenced. The film features Aoi Miyazaki and Masato Sakai in the lead roles; the two actors previously collaborated on the 2008 NHK taiga drama Atsuhime. Principal photography began on January 9, 2011, and concluded in early February of the same year.

Reception and Legacy

The film was released in Japan on October 8, 2011. It was selected as the closing film for the 48th Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival in November 2011. At the 36th Hochi Film Awards, Masato Sakai received the Best Actor award for his performance. The source material, Tenten Hosokawa's manga, also inspired a 2009 NHK television drama titled How Do I Cope with My Husband's Depression?.

Scene from the film — A scene from the film featuring the main characters.