Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2010

©2010 浅野いにお・小学館 / 「ソラニン」製作委員会　写真：太田好治

Like recent films Kakera and Miyoko Asagaya Kibun, Solanin is based on a popular manga that deals with youngsters facing the challenges of life. Unlike those somewhat gritty and realistic flicks, though, this one indulges in corny melodrama, even if it does manage to build some dramatic velocity. Twenty-something OL Meiko (the über-cute Aoi Miyazaki) lives with her would-be musician boyfriend Taneda (Kengo Kora). Impetuous and unrealistic, she quits her job in the hopes he’ll take care of her. Yet Taneda, too, soon chucks work, and doesn’t seem motivated to make a go of it with his band, either. Both characters must face unappealing choices while attempting to find some purpose in their lives. A few of the scenarios ring true and reflect the anomie of contemporary Japanese youth, but the story meanders and falls back on cliché. With music by the hip Asian Kung-fu Generation, Solanin can be enjoyable if you overlook its many flaws. (126 min)