Santa Claus Dreaming
Koshiba Seijuro is the assisstant to some influential figure whose daughter was all messed up, and who comes to the psychiatrist Koizumi Santa and asks him to counsel the daughter without her knowledge. Since Santa is a compulsive gambler he's hard up for money and takes the job even though he's queasy about the ethics. Turns out that she's the same girl he took to the hospital nine months earlier when she had passed out drunk on a roof preparing to jump. As it happens she woke up in the hospital and saw Santa's best friend Kusanagi Shunsuke (a surgeon) holding the Santa Claus hat Santa had been wearing (it was Christmas Eve), and it turns into a very complicated love triangle.
Insights
Plot Summary
This film tells the story of a cynical advertising executive who, after a near-death experience, believes he is Santa Claus. He must grapple with his new reality and convince those around him of his identity while trying to spread Christmas cheer.
Critical Reception
Santa Claus Dreaming received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with many finding the premise underdeveloped and the execution lacking. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with some appreciating the festive spirit but others citing a weak narrative.
What Reviewers Say
- The film struggles with a confusing and unfocused plot.
- Some viewers found the performances earnest, but not enough to salvage the story.
- The holiday spirit is present, but overshadowed by a lack of compelling character development.
Google audience: Google user reviews are not widely available for this title, making it difficult to summarize specific audience sentiments.
Fun Fact
D.W. Moffett, who directed and starred in the film, also wrote the screenplay.
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