Although this film is not one with fantastic lines nor acting, it is very endearing to see the cultural differences and awkwardness between the west and the east. This is what makes this a nice, enjoyable film. The style is using a manga theme to explain the situations (and ironically to pair with the main character's profession as an aspiring manga artist), although towards the 2nd half this was dropped and forgotten, which is a shame in my opinion.
The Americans may not be as believable (as other critics have said), but I must say, it's not far from the truth. In Japan, it is incredible to see how many American men who take advantage of the submissive culture and interest from Japanese girls, and they don't even bother to learn Japanese. The wedding scene with Tony defending Saori when her parents put her down- it was a very nice touch of the cultural difference where it's seen to be rude if you praise your children. Then the opposition against the interracial relationship is an issue very real, parents are scared that the difference in culture is too great and could end up hurting their daughter.
The ending may be a little bit curt, but the point came through. The mother and daughter bonding, when the mother revealed that it's normal to be different in a relationship, even between 2 Japanese. It's more important to follow your heart, so Saori rushes off to find Tony in LA, rehearsing English to use when she meets the family. Only to be greeted by an opened minded family in open arms who rehearsed Japanese to greet her.
Perhaps for an American or other Caucasians watching this movie the scenes about the differences could be silly, but in actual fact, that's how we view it. Watch with an open mind and you'll see it's not pretentious at all, it's simply a recount of an experience a Japanese had in this situation through their eyes. It didn't once show the view of Tony, it was all the view of Saori.
Don't expect great cinematography and lines from this movie, but for those who can emphasise with the situation or even those who want to understand, it's a nice warm and fuzzy movie which will leave you with a smile at the end.
The Americans may not be as believable (as other critics have said), but I must say, it's not far from the truth. In Japan, it is incredible to see how many American men who take advantage of the submissive culture and interest from Japanese girls, and they don't even bother to learn Japanese. The wedding scene with Tony defending Saori when her parents put her down- it was a very nice touch of the cultural difference where it's seen to be rude if you praise your children. Then the opposition against the interracial relationship is an issue very real, parents are scared that the difference in culture is too great and could end up hurting their daughter.
The ending may be a little bit curt, but the point came through. The mother and daughter bonding, when the mother revealed that it's normal to be different in a relationship, even between 2 Japanese. It's more important to follow your heart, so Saori rushes off to find Tony in LA, rehearsing English to use when she meets the family. Only to be greeted by an opened minded family in open arms who rehearsed Japanese to greet her.
Perhaps for an American or other Caucasians watching this movie the scenes about the differences could be silly, but in actual fact, that's how we view it. Watch with an open mind and you'll see it's not pretentious at all, it's simply a recount of an experience a Japanese had in this situation through their eyes. It didn't once show the view of Tony, it was all the view of Saori.
Don't expect great cinematography and lines from this movie, but for those who can emphasise with the situation or even those who want to understand, it's a nice warm and fuzzy movie which will leave you with a smile at the end.