My Pretend Girlfriend

Synopsis

My Pretend Girlfriend (2014), originally titled 百瀬、こっちを向いて, is a heartfelt Japanese romantic drama featuring Akari Hayami. The film explores the complex emotions and delicate nuances of young love and friendship. It follows the story of a high school boy who, struggling with his feelings, asks a girl to pretend to be his girlfriend, setting off a journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. With subtle performances and a tender narrative, the movie captures the bittersweet moments of adolescence, the longing for connection, and the challenge of facing one's true feelings in the face of societal expectations.

Cast

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  Akari Hayami

  Hikaru Momose

• Taro Takeuchi

  Noboru Aihara

• 

  Anna Ishibashi

  Tetsuko Kambayashi

• 

  Osamu Mukai

  Noboru Aihara (30 years old)

• 

  Asuka Kudo

  Shun Miyazaki

• 

  Hiromi

  Shinji Tanabe

Reviews

My Pretend Girlfriend has received mixed to moderately positive reviews, with audiences appreciating its gentle approach to romance and character development. On IMDb, the film holds a 6.4/10 rating, reflecting a generally favorable but not outstanding reception. Critics have highlighted the nuanced performances, particularly praising Akari Hayami's authentic portrayal which lends depth to the emotional storyline. For example, some reviewers commend the film's realistic depiction of youthful uncertainty and its avoidance of typical romantic clichés. However, other critiques point out a slow pacing and lack of dramatic tension, which may underwhelm viewers seeking more dynamic storytelling. While Rotten Tomatoes does not list extensive ratings for the movie, user feedback often notes the film’s sweet and quiet tone as a refreshing contrast to more conventional romance narratives. Overall, My Pretend Girlfriend is regarded as a modest yet touching exploration of adolescent love that resonates particularly well with those who favor character-driven stories.