My SO Has Got Depression

Synopsis

My SO Has Got Depression (2011), directed by Kenjiro Sai, tells the heartfelt and poignant story of a young woman, played by Aoi Miyazaki, who struggles to cope with her boyfriend's battle with depression. The narrative unfolds as she navigates through her feelings of helplessness and love while trying to support him. The film portrays the complexities of mental health, love, and personal resilience in a delicately humorous yet sobering manner. Set against a backdrop of everyday life in Japan, the story highlights the impact of mental illness not just on the afflicted but also on those who care for them. Throughout the film, emotions run high as the couple confronts their fears and seeks understanding, ultimately revealing the importance of communication and empathy in relationships. Aoi Miyazaki's performance is highlighted as genuine and relatable, capturing the nuances of a person caught between love and despair, bringing to light the often taboo topic of mental health in a realistic and thoughtful way.

Cast

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  Aoi Miyazaki

  Haruko Takazaki

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  Masato Sakai

  Mikio Takazaki

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  Mitsuru Fukikoshi

  Sugiura

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  Kanji Tsuda

  Kazuo Takazaki

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  Hiroshi Inuzuka

  Kawaji

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  Ren Osugi

  Yasuo Kurita

Reviews

Critics received My SO Has Got Depression with a mixture of appreciation and critique. With a rating of 6.7/10 on IMDb, the film has been praised for its realistic depiction of depression and how it affects relationships. "Aoi Miyazaki delivers a tender and powerful performance, resonating with anyone who has faced similar struggles in love and mental health," noted a review from The Japan Times. However, some critics pointed out the pacing issues, stating, "While the performances shine, the narrative at times feels uneven, potentially leaving audiences detached from the emotional core." Rotten Tomatoes provides an audience score that reflects a generally favorable response, highlighting its emotional delicacy and depth. One reviewer on Metacritic remarked, "This film is an enlightening portrayal of the often misunderstood challenges of mental illness, perfectly balancing humor and heartbreak." Yet, it faced criticism for failing to deeply explore the intricacies of depression itself, indicating a somewhat surface-level treatment of a profound issue. Overall, the film is recognized for its compelling performances and an important message about mental health, making it a significant watch, especially within Japanese cinema.