Romance Doll

Romance Doll ★★★★ Yuki Tanada Artistic, Bittersweet [SPOILER] A story about a man falling in love with his (future) muse that leads him to become an artist. A tragic magnum opus created to capture a dying muse. Left alone with his artwork and memories, the loneliness of the artist after his muse dies in his arms. Despite being an exact replica, the artist realises his work is nowhere close to his muse. Artist's acceptance and gratitude for the muse, knowing that no one else knows about the muse behind the art than the artist himself.

The movie touches various topics -- (1) the death of a muse, (2) passion and the pursuit of excellence, (3) mistakes and forgiveness, (4) communication and intimacy (5) loneliness. I liked the cinematography; 1:49:00 would always remain etched in my mind - truly soul crushing. The movie seems to share common themes with Ghibli's The Wind Rises along the lines of art, excellence, and dying wives.

Actors Issey Takahashi and Yu Aoi did a splendid job crafting a believably sweet couple. The movie also has great intimate scenes that add to the plot multifold.