Maruyama, the Middle Schooler
Maruyama, the Middle Schooler

Maruyama, the Middle Schooler

2013Movie120 minJapanese

Katsuya Maruyama is a middle school student boy full of obscene thoughts. He then meets Tatsuo Shimoi, a single father who moves into the same apartment complex. Tatsuo Shimoi is a bit of an enigma: he doesn't get along with the housewives in the apartment complex and doesn't appear to work. Through his encounter with the mysterious single father, Katsuya grows as a person.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Keisuke ToyoshimaGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

This coming-of-age comedy follows Maruyama, a seemingly ordinary middle school student who harbors a secret passion for opera. His quiet life takes an unexpected turn when his artistic aspirations begin to clash with the mundane realities of school and peer expectations. The film explores themes of self-discovery and the courage it takes to pursue one's true calling, even when it deviates from the norm.

Critical Reception

The film received a mixed to positive reception, particularly praised for its quirky humor and earnest portrayal of adolescent struggles. While some critics found its pacing uneven, many appreciated its unique premise and the lead actor's performance.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique blend of comedy and drama.
  • Appreciated for its relatable portrayal of adolescent identity.
  • Some found the narrative to be somewhat slow-paced.

Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented on Google.

Fun Fact

The film is based on a popular manga series of the same name.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review