Air Doll

I was a bit hesitant at first, since I wasn't looking forward to 100 minutes of life-affirming sweetness. Luckily, Air Doll went in a different way, showing us how people's lives are sad, empty and devoid of any sense of wonder. That's why I drink, people. Bae Doona was perfectly cast and really sells some of the more awkward/silly moments.

The frequency with which things are kept off screen or only partly on it is kind of interesting, but the main idea didn't quite have enough to it.

I had the pleasure of seeing this film at Cannes. An interesting premise that somehow actually works. The Tokyo portrayed here is dark and full of lonely, listless people, and while there are moments of comedy, most of the film is depressing. Ultimately, it would have benefited from a little more subtlety.

Quirky fantasy starring Bae Doona as a blow up sex doll who comes to life and gets a job in a Tokyo video store. She wants to learn about the ways of life and love, but ends up discovering more about loss and loneliness. Bae's huge doe eyes and blunt bob haircut do a perfect job of selling the innocence and awkward sadness required for the role. Very melancholy but beautifully filmed and hugely satisfying.

It's a simple story, sometimes even banal at times, but it has so much charm I can't help but like it.

Understated fable with a haunting perf by Du-na Bae. It's light and airy with a dark, bitter centre.

I don't think I got all of what Kore-eda wanted to say on the first watch, but "Air Doll"'s bittersweet melancholy will have me watching it again soon enough. In addition, the cinematography is absolutely spectacular, and the ultra-cute Doo-na Bae turns in a great performance.

My ★★★★★ review of Air Doll on Letterboxd https://boxd.it/6tIfun

Although there are some definite plot threads here, the most developed being Bae getting a job at a video store and falling into a sort of romance with fellow clerk Arata, this is very much a film built out of a series of encounters and atmosphere. I think it's ultimately a strange and rewarding film, but it's very unfocused even by Kore-eda's standards and perhaps a bit too long.

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Horrible acting, embarassing philosophical moments... But it features some beautiful visuals and freaky moments, at least.

Simply wonderful. Bae Doona is perfect.

A bit too over-constructed, which damages the overtly use of symbolism. A good film, but is flawed by the repeated use of symbolism, which almost make it feels formularized. The lead actress is wonderful.

Surprisingly beautiful, I really enjoyed it. The cinematography, acting, and music is great.

What a curious little film. Quite specifically Japanese, dealing with concepts of tainted sexuality, "sophisticated love," moé (a girl is even named Moe), and gloriously liberated emotion and identity. The whole film is beautifully shot, and deeply moving while also being quite unsettling. The first time the titular inflatable doll smiles is when she's getting makeup put on to cover up her plastic seams, like scars from an abusive past. It feels both cruel and "utsukushii."