Movie Digest
The decision of love and marriage between Sonoko and Tetsuo is by fate. Without hesitation, they tied the knot and became husband and wife. Everything seems good. But it is not. Even the ties of matrimony can not untangle their secrets. Tetsuo’s profession includes making sex dolls, but Sonoko has no idea. Sonoko, too, has a secret. She is going to reveal something she has been keeping hidden from Tetsuo. Their union is already sexless. Will they try to make things work?
The Feel-Good Part
The execution of cinematography is perfect, especially in setting the tone and mood of each scene. The film was able to combine comedy and profound emotional moments seamlessly.
The Disappointing Factor
The film’s pace is off, and there are many filler shots. As a result, the film feels lifeless and lacks the intensity and enthusiasm required to hold your interest for the entire two-hour runtime.
In-Depth Analysis
This film is an adaptation of the novel Romance Doll by Yuki Tanada. Sonoko and Tetsuo met when his company needed some models. They lied in the ads, saying it was for a medical purpose, but it was for making the doll. Sonoko and Tetsuo fell in love at first sight and eventually married. It is a love story, for a while, at least – in which a maker of sexual pleasure items becomes so concentrated on their function and craft that he loses sight of his libido and consistently ignores the lady whose exquisite feminine shape enabled the creation in the first place. Initially, the film seemed to have the potential to be a liberating sexual art film about the objectification of the female body. However, it celebrates the (male) artisan’s heroic perfectionism and his wife’s sacrificial pain.
Star Power
This movie cast the best pair of actors. Yu Aoi (Sonoko) and Issey Takahashi’s (Tetsuo) acting were brilliant. They were able to portray the progression of their relationship beautifully and naturally.
Overall Opinion
It is a sweet and quirky film. It certainly is something very different from what you usually would see. Do give it a try!
