
In a Tokyo apartment, an inflatable doll mysteriously gains life. Seeking companionship, she leaves her home and finds herself drawn to a solitary video store employee. As they develop a unique connection, she confronts questions about her own being and experiences the poignant challenges of love and belonging in a world she's only just beginning to understand.
Does Air Doll (2009) have end credit scenes?
No!
Air Doll (2009) does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of Air Doll (2009), including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Discover where to watch Air Doll (2009) online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like IMDb, Wikipedia, Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic.
See how Air Doll (2009) is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Air Doll (2009) stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
Air Doll presents a gently melancholic meditation on loneliness through the lens of a fantastical premise. Critics and several viewers commend its visual poetry and nuanced performances, while others note a tendency toward saccharine sentiment and occasional narrative looseness. The film’s direction and atmospheric score reinforce its thematic intentions, though the story’s pacing and depth divide opinion. Consequently, the movie offers a distinctive but uneven experience that rewards viewers attuned to its subtle charms.
The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Air Doll (2009)
Art & Craft
In terms of art and craft, the film’s direction and cinematography are frequently praised for their measured elegance and understated color palette. Critics highlight gentle direction and magical early visuals, while viewers note poetic shot composition and a delicate score that enhances atmosphere. However, some argue that the visual sweetness borders on saccharine, tempering the overall craftsmanship assessment.
Character & Emotion
When evaluating character and emotion, reviewers consistently commend Bae Doona’s nuanced performance, describing it as both convincing and emotionally resonant. Supporting actors are noted for providing solid chemistry that grounds the fantastical premise. Nonetheless, several critiques mention that the character development remains surface‑level, with the narrative offering only a modest exploration of deeper emotional stakes.
Story & Flow
In terms of story and flow, the plot’s originality receives commendation for its fairy‑tale premise and thematic inquiry into loneliness. Viewers appreciate the refreshing pacing at the outset and the poignant twist near the end. Conversely, some critics and users describe the narrative as loosely written, with moments of sentimentality that undermine coherence and depth.
Sensory Experience
Regarding sensory experience, the soundtrack and sound design are highlighted for their magical, brush‑like quality that shapes mood. Critics and audience members both note the film’s poetic visual style, with each frame contributing to an overall atmospheric cohesiveness. The only dissent centers on occasional over‑sweetness, which some feel slightly distracts from the immersive effect.
Rewatch Factor
The rewatch factor is bolstered by the film’s evocative imagery and resonant themes, prompting several viewers to seek additional Kore‑eda works after viewing. Positive feedback emphasizes its lasting emotional impression and poetic visual moments. However, critiques of narrative looseness and overt sentimentality suggest that repeat viewings may not sustain universal appeal.
66%
TOMATOMETER
65%
User Score
6.9 /10
IMDb Rating
3.80/5
From 5 fan ratings
Challenge your knowledge of Air Doll (2009) with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What is the name of Hideo's inflatable companion?
Sakura
Yumi
Aiko
Nozomi
Show hint
Read the complete plot summary of Air Doll (2009), including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
Middle-aged Hideo, a man living in solitude, finds companionship in an inflatable sex doll named Nozomi. Their unusual relationship thrives as he dresses her, shares meals, takes leisurely strolls with her in a wheelchair, and engages in intimate moments.
While Hideo is away at work, Nozomi springs to life, donning a maid’s outfit and immersing herself in the world outside their isolated apartment. Filled with curiosity, she takes a job at a video store and develops romantic feelings for one of her colleagues, Junichi. However, a mishap occurs when she accidentally injures herself, leading to a deflation that Junichi fixes with adhesive tape, bringing her back to her original form.
One day, Hideo unexpectedly visits the video store, where Nozomi serves him, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. However, he fails to recognize her. Her boss mistakenly assumes that Hideo is her boyfriend and believes she’s unfaithful to Junichi, pressuring Nozomi into unwanted intimacy. Back at home, Hideo discovers that Nozomi has transformed into a living being but is troubled by this change, expressing a desire for her to return to her previous doll form, citing human connections as “annoying.” Feeling hurt and rejected, she flees.
Nozomi seeks out the factory where she was created and encounters her maker. He expresses a belief that all dolls possess hearts, as he can perceive their emotional state through their expressions when they are returned. When she inquires about the fate of used dolls, he grimly replies that he disposes of them like trash.
Desperate to please Junichi, she promises to do anything for him, which leads to a tragic turn of events. He asks her to let out her air and then re-inflate her, reminiscent of their earlier encounter at the video store. While Junichi sleeps afterward, Nozomi attempts to reciprocate the kindness but, unable to find a plug, resorts to cutting him with scissors in a misguided attempt to help him. Unfortunately, her actions lead to his death, and in her devastation, she places his body among the garbage.
In her profound grief, she tears off the tape that seals her own wound and chooses to deflate, embracing the inevitable fate of being discarded alongside the remnants of their tumultuous love story.
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