A life-size sex doll lives in a modest apartment in Tokyo, she can't speak nor move and she's the only companion of her master, a middle-aged man. He speaks to her, bathes and then make love every day when he returns from work. The daily routine is broken when fantasy becomes reality. All of a sudden she comes to life and realizes she has a heart. She's unable to comprehend what is around her, however she knows there is a world waiting to be explored beyond the walls of the small floor and her selfish master. Eventually she dares to go outside world and meets people of all kinds, but no one is able to explain her what it means "to be alive". (Source: Amazon.com) ~~ Adapted from the manga series "Kuuki Ningyou" (ゴーダ哲学堂 空気人形) by Gouda Yoshiie (業田良家). Edit Translation
- English
- Español
- Türkçe
- magyar / magyar nyelv
- Native Title: 空気人形
- Also Known As: Kuki Ningyo , Kuuki Ningyou , くうきにんぎょう
- Screenwriter & Director: Koreeda Hirokazu
- Genres: Psychological, Life, Drama, Fantasy
Cast & Credits
- Bae Doo NaNozomiMain Role
- Iura ArataJunichiSupport Role
- Yamanaka Takashi[Video store customer]Support Role
- Fuji Sumiko[Widow]Support Role
- Itao ItsujiHideoSupport Role
- Hoshino Mari[Apple woman]Support Role
Reviews
This movie was exceptionally moving. A exquisite piece of Art by Hirokazu Koreeda, although the outcome is off of his usual genre I do think it convey his essence.
It's very rare, perhaps disturbing, mesmerizing movie.
The actress does a terrific work in interpreting a living doll, her roll was extremely believable.
The developing of the plot may be obscure for some people (I've read some harsh reviews about this movie) but I resolved to think that people CAN'T get the real meaning of the history: explore how people interact at a deep emotional level. The idea that someone's respiration could insufflate life to another person is a very intimate form of interaction and satisfaction.
All characters, whether their gender, they are alone.
For female characters, the keywords are "empty" and "absence". For the male, are "substitution" and "perversion." The men of the film didn't go straight to the object of his desire, but they choose alternative solutions. They are perverted men who want the death, not life.
These are the characters that KORE-EDA tried to to portray. It's a film about the solitude of urban life.
Overall, I think It's a worth-watching movie. You'll never forget it if you can find the meaning through the multiple metaphors inside and apply it to your own life. This is a philosophical essay... real poetry. A stirring rendition and superb images.
I decided to watch this movie on a whim not knowing what to expect, little did I know, that 2 hours later, I would end up being left mesmerized. This film is not for everyone (a word of caution there is strong sexual content and nudity), some may even call it disturbing, but if you look past it, you'll see and hear a beautiful story being told right in front of your eyes and ears. The directing, acting, casting, and music painted a canvas so breathtaking, it would almost be a shame not to call it a masterpiece. The ending was so poignant it left me feeling something I've rarely ever felt before, the feeling of breathlessness.
This is one of those films that you watch once in a lifetime (as reflected in the scoring I prescribed) not because it isn't worth rewatching, but because you'll still remember it, way down the line.