High school student Jinta is a hikikomori and lives in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. One summer day, when Jinta is absorbed in a video game, a girl suddenly appears in front of him. The girl is Jinta's childhood friend Meiko, but it seems impossible because Meiko died on a summer day. Meiko wears the same white dress when she died, but she looks a little taller. She tells Jinta that she has a wish and that's why she came back as a ghost, but Meiko can't remember what her wish was. To grant Meiko's wish, Jinta along with his friends Atsumu, Naruko, Chiriko, Tetsudo and Meiko gather together for the first time in 7 years. Jinta soon realizes that he is the only one able to see Meiko.
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Reviews
If you have watched the anime, you won't find any surprises in this live action remake. The story is pretty much the same, without the confusing back and forths. The best thing about this movie, part from the story, which is very touching and emotional, are the performances. Sure, there is too much crying, but the actors were great portraying the characters and their emotions. Especially enjoyed the conclusions the movie gave on every ones story, as it could have left things as they were after the final scene. Probably the story was dragging a bit and there weren't many twists, so it did got a little tiring towards the middle, but the ending was rewarding. So, 5 out of 10.
This movie is adapted from the TV series of the same name. As for me, I am satisfied with all the actors whose appearance and figures are highly corresponding to the original TV series. Menma's performer really did a good job, because I suppose it was definitely hard to perform such a adorable girl full of vitality who is only-in-anime. However, this movie nearly didn't change anything from the anime which showed respect to the origin well but in turn made some plots unnatural and embarrassing. It will be more attractive if this movie had added or adapted some parts. In spite of the embarrassment, anime is artistic and flexible while the live- action edition is closer to real life and childhood. Both deserves to be recommended.