Maruyama, the Middle Schooler

About This Movie

So, 'Maruyama, the Middle Schooler' really captures that awkward, sometimes cringey but relatable phase of adolescence. Katsuya is a typical middle schooler with thoughts that get a bit, well, out there. The dynamic between him and Tatsuo, the single father, is pretty intriguing; Tatsuo doesn’t quite fit in, which adds this layer of tension. The pacing is solid, allowing for those quieter moments that let you really feel the characters. It’s shot in a way that gives a raw, almost documentary feel to the everyday life of these characters. The performances feel genuine, especially in how they navigate their personal struggles in that cramped apartment setting. It’s a little offbeat, but that's what makes it stand out in the sea of family dramas.

Focuses on the complexities of adolescence.Features a unique father-son dynamic.Captures the essence of everyday life.