Eriko, Pretended (2018)

Other name: 見栄を張る, Mie wo Haru, Eriko Pretended

Description:

"Eriko, Pretended" introduces Eriko, an aspiring actress who has spent a decade in Tokyo, largely working as a waitress with her acting dreams unfulfilled. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives news of her estranged older sister's passing. Returning to her hometown for the funeral, Eriko makes an impulsive decision, declaring she will take care of her sister's 10-year-old son.

As Eriko grapples with this sudden new responsibility, she uncovers a profound secret about her late sister: she worked as a nakiya, a hired professional who attends funerals to mourn the deceased. This revelation forces Eriko to confront her own life of performance and pretense, drawing parallels between her acting aspirations and her sister's unique profession. The film delves into themes of family, grief, and the many roles people play, exploring how Eriko navigates motherhood while redefining her understanding of authenticity and connection.

Director: Fujimura Akiyo [藤村明世]

Country: Japanese

Status: Completed

Released: 2018

Genre:Comedy; Drama; Family; life