Virgin Road
To pursue her dreams, Sakurai Kazumi (Wakui Emi) quits her job and goes to New York to study jewelry design, against the objections of her naggy and stubborn but well-meaning father (Takeda Tetsuya). As part of remaking herself, she changes from spectacles to contact lenses, even though she has problems adapting to them. When she accidentally drops her contact lenses, a mysterious man helps prevent them from being stepped on, but he walks away before she can talk to him. Some years pass, and Kazumi is on a plane home after receiving a letter from her brother Taku saying their father is critically ill. She has morning sickness and has some run-ins on the plane with a sloppily-dressed man, and it is only when she drops her contacts and the man helps her in a similar way that she recognises him (Sorimachi Takashi). She chases after him and asks, "would you like to do some work (arubaito)?" It turns out that Kazumi in her last letter from New York had written that she was in a relationship with someone and that they might soon marry, but since then she has broken up with him, and she didn't want to make her father upset by coming home alone. The man, a freelance journalist named Yoshimi Kaoru, agrees to pretend to be her fiancé.
Insights
Plot Summary
A woman in her late twenties, feeling the societal pressure to marry, decides to embark on a series of dates with a variety of men, hoping to find her ideal partner. Her journey is filled with comedic mishaps, awkward encounters, and genuine moments of connection as she navigates the complexities of modern dating and self-discovery. Through her experiences, she learns valuable lessons about love, relationships, and ultimately, herself.
Critical Reception
Virgin Road was a modest critical and commercial success in Japan, praised for its relatable portrayal of a woman's quest for love and marriage in contemporary society. Critics lauded its witty script, charming performances, and heartfelt exploration of themes surrounding societal expectations and personal fulfillment. While not a groundbreaking film, it resonated with audiences for its gentle humor and optimistic outlook.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its lighthearted humor and relatable protagonist.
- Appreciated for its realistic portrayal of dating and societal pressures.
- Seen as a charming, albeit predictable, romantic comedy.
Google audience: Audience reviews, where available, generally reflect a positive sentiment, finding the film to be an enjoyable and lighthearted romantic comedy that offers a glimpse into Japanese societal views on marriage and dating.
Fun Fact
The film was directed by Masayuki Suo, who would later gain international acclaim for his 2004 film 'Shall We Dance?'.
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