

Same Old, Same Old
Focusing on the lives (and a few deaths) of three filmmakers, Rikiya Imaizumi (Their Distance, Sad Tea) tackles weighty themes in this new ensemble drama set in Tokyo and Fukushima. Director Kajiwara, struggling to earn a living from film, gets an offer to do a music video. But it doesn’t go well and he finds himself in an unexpected situation. Actress Aoba witnesses her filmmaker boyfriend's suicide and decides to hide his body. Gardener Taro plans to close the family business he inherits from his father, but receives a phone call one night from the self-declared girlfriend of his estranged twin, Jiro.
Insights
Plot Summary
A married couple finds themselves drifting apart as they navigate the challenges of their careers and personal lives. They must confront their issues and rediscover their connection before their relationship crumbles completely. The film explores the complexities of long-term commitment and the effort required to maintain intimacy.
Critical Reception
Same Old, Same Old received a mixed to negative reception from critics and audiences, with many finding the plot predictable and the execution uninspired. While some appreciated the performances of the lead actors, the film was largely criticized for its cliché narrative and lack of originality.
What Reviewers Say
- The film struggles with a derivative storyline that offers little new to the relationship drama genre.
- Lead actors deliver committed performances, but cannot salvage the predictable plot.
- Lacks the emotional depth and nuance to resonate with viewers.
Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Same Old, Same Old' are scarce, but those available generally echo critical sentiments, pointing to a predictable plot and a lack of engaging elements. Some viewers found it to be a watchable, albeit forgettable, romantic drama.
Fun Fact
The film's title, 'Same Old, Same Old,' directly reflects its perceived thematic content and predictable narrative arc, a choice that was noted by some reviewers as either ironically self-aware or simply indicative of the film's lack of ambition.
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