Maruyama, the Middle Schooler

Synopsis

Maruyama, the Middle Schooler follows the story of Ryuhei Maruyama, a junior high school student who faces various challenges in his personal and academic life. Dealing with the complexities of adolescence, he navigates through friendship, first love, and family issues. As Ryuhei grapples with societal expectations and the pressures of growing up, he learns valuable lessons about self-discovery and resilience. Set against the backdrop of a typical Japanese middle school, the film beautifully captures the bittersweet journey of a young boy finding his place in the world.

Cast

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  Tsuyoshi Kusanagi

  Tatsuo Shimoi

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  Takuma Hiraoka

  Katsuya Maruyama

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  Yang Ik-june

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  Yuiko Kariya

  Yuzuka Shimizu

• 

  Maki Sakai

  Mizuki Maruyama

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  Toru Nakamura

  Katsuyuki Maruyama

Reviews

Maruyama, the Middle Schooler has received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the heartfelt portrayal of adolescence and the relatable struggles of the protagonist, others found the pacing to be slow and the plot lacking depth. Rotten Tomatoes described it as 'a charming coming-of-age story that resonates with authenticity' but noted that it may not appeal to all audiences. IMDb users rated it 6.2/10, reflecting the divided opinions surrounding the film. Metacritic's review highlighted the strong performances of the cast and the emotional impact of the narrative, giving it a moderate score. Overall, Maruyama, the Middle Schooler is a sincere depiction of the trials and tribulations of youth, offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities of growing up.