Do not be fooled by the title of this film! This is not a Japanese version of Sex and the City, nor is it what you would necessarily call a chick flick. This happens to be one well-made indie film that provides the viewer with an honest depiction of life in Tokyo seen through the eyes of four desperate women.

The film centers around four female characters: a suicidal prostitute, an artist with bulimia, a desperate office worker just looking to be married with kids, and a shy receptionist who longs to find true love. Sadly, each character leads an extremely depressing life with no chance of happiness in sight.

One thing I liked most about “Strawberry Shortcakes” is how authentic it was. Nothing felt artificial or contrived. The conversations throughout the film seemed like they were coming from real people, not a screenwriter. Furthermore, caring for the characters in a film is such a rarity these days, but I found myself emotionally invested in all four women by the time the credits rolled. The lead characters go through so much turmoil and loneliness that you genuinely grow to care for them, making it harder to watch in certain parts.

I also agree with the director’s decision to cast fairly unknown and inexperienced actresses in the main roles. It added a sense of realism that probably would have never been achieved if you had someone as popular as Aoi Miyazaki in the cast. I read somewhere that Kiriko Nananan, who played the character “Toko” in the film, is actually the author of the manga to which the film is based on. This was a real surprise because she was the one actress I felt was the most compelling even though she had the least amount of acting experience.

From reading other reviews of the film circling the internet, it looks like the majority of viewers didn’t like the ending because they say it felt rushed. I disagree and am thankful the film didn’t try to tie everything up in a neat little bow….also, loved the song at the end….thought it was used at exactly the right time.

So if you’re a fan of slow moving, but emotionally challenging films about real people, then you can’t go wrong with this one. Besides the title, I enjoyed everything about “Strawberry Shortcakes” and it’s actually become one of my personal favorite Japanese movies.

“To be a Rock”….”Not to Roll”