Channeling the hypnotic vibes of such gems as Wong Kar-wai’s “In the Mood for Love” and Richard Linklater’s “Before” trilogy, writer-director Joshua Woodcock’s “One Night in Tokyo” is an aching drama full of humanity and heart. And despite its modest budget, the film exquisitely captures the pulse of the culturally rich and vibrant city from its title.

“One Night in Tokyo” marks Woodcock’s feature film debut and from its opening few sequences you see the kind of assured hand and keen instincts usually found in the most seasoned filmmakers. What makes it even more impressive, Woodcock serves as his own cinematographer and editor, both of which prove to be among the movies many strengths.

The story starts by introducing us to a New Yorker named Sam (Reza Emamiyeh) shortly after he arrives at the Tokyo airport. He’s there for a week to spend time with his girlfriend Becca (Cailee Oliver) who has been away in Japan for six months. But he’s surprised to find that she’s not there to meet him and she’s not answering her phone, leaving Sam to feel his way around a foreign country on his own.

With the help of his phone’s GPS and the kindness of a few strangers, Sam finally makes his way to Becca’s apartment where he immediately notices something is off. Becca comes across as chilly and detached before finally telling Sam she wants to take some time apart. Perplexed and downcast, Sam leaves and wastes no time booking a next-day flight back to New York.

Sam gets a call from his local buddy Jun (Shinichiro Watanabe) who he was set to meet up with for some drinks. But Jun has to cancel after getting tied up at work. So he makes arrangements for Sam to join his girlfriend Ayaka (Tokiko Kitagawa) and her friends for some drinks. Sam doesn’t know Ayaka or her friends and doesn’t feel like socializing. And after meeting Ayaka it’s clear she isn’t happy with the arrangement either.

But Sam and Ayaka’s night together takes a number of unexpected turns starting with a shocking betrayal that leaves them both heartbroken. The two hurt and angry souls go to a bar together to drown their sorrows despite Sam not speaking Japanese and Ayaka not speaking English. But with the help of Google translator, they begin communicating. It’s the first step in what becomes a life-altering night together across Tokyo.

I don’t want to spoil where things go, but Woodcock takes his characters on an intoxicating journey full of bittersweet emotion and unvarnished humanity. Soon the two are walking the late-night streets like Linklater’s Jesse and Celine, opening themselves up through extended conversations while Tokyo provides a sparkling backdrop. Woodcock’s camera discreetly follows along in observation mode, elegantly relaying the range of feelings his characters express.

Equally important are the lead performances from the soulful Emamiyeh and the spirited Kitagawa. Individually they penetrate to the heart of their characters, patiently peeling back layers to show us who they really are. Together they share an organic chemistry, especially once the Google translator suddenly vanishes and the two begin communicating effortlessly. It’s a magical touch that allows the movie to evolve into something unexpected.

“One Night in Tokyo” is yet another example of how a filmmaker can overcome nearly any hurdle if he or she has a good story to tell and the cinematic knowhow to tell it. A healthy budget and studio support certainly helps. But nothing can top vision and talent. Woodcock possesses both as evident by this well-made and moving first feature. It’s a movie full of longing and desire yet with an impressively grounded approach to romance. It had its hooks in me from the very start. “One Night in Tokyo” releases in theaters and on VOD February 14th.

VERDICT – 4 STARS