Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2010

©2010「ダーリンは外国人」フィルムパートナーズ

Most films reviewed in this column have little direct relevance to the lives of expats in Japan. Not this one. Based on a well-known manga series by Saori Oguri (see Books, page 19), Darling wa Gaikokujin addresses a bevy of cross-cultural issues in its account of a binational romance. Director Kazuaki Ue also gives the work an additional documentary feel by weaving in snippets of interviews with Japan-based international couples. The narrative starts as Saori (Mao Inoue) and Tony (Jonathan Sherr) tentatively pursue their courtship, which is fraught with miscues and differing expectations. But soon romance is blooming, and the pair must face the reality that their parental units may not be as happy as they are over the union. While some issues get simplified and occasional plot devices are clumsy, this film gets the broad strokes right; the audience feels like it’s seen a real relationship develop. Indeed, Saori and Tony today have a child—and a successful media franchise. English title: My Darling is a Foreigner. (100 min)