Based on a manga by Masakuza Katsura, this deservedly popular comedy-romance suggests a cross between The Velveteen Rabbit and The Little Mermaid. Gentle, empathetic Yota is dismissed by his high scho...( read more  read more... )ol classmates as a "dateless loser"; he nurtures a crush on Moemi, who's in love with his best friend, Takashi. Then Ai materializes from his VCR: she's a "video girl," designed to provide company and comfort. She and Yota unwittingly fall in love, which Ai is forbidden to do. Yota learns from their relationship that love and life are transitory, rather than permanent (a recurring theme in Japanese literature) and that sometimes having loved and been loved is sufficient. Mizuho Nishikubo directs with unobtrusive polish, although the script saddles him with unnecessary cheesecake shots and slapstick violence. Voice actors Maggie Blue O'Hara and Brad Swaile offer nuanced performances as Ai and Yota. Unrated; suitable for ages 16 and up: Nudity, sexual humor, mature themes. --Charles Solomon

Flixster Users

76% liked it

1,622 ratings

Unrated, 180 min.

Directed by: Mizuho Nishikubo

Release Date: January 1, 2001

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: December 4, 2001

Stats: 40 reviews

Photos


None yet... Got one?

Your Rating



clear rating

Flixster Reviews (40)


  • February 17, 2006
    Cute, sexy, earnest, and far better than the manga.
  • October 26, 2008
    I haven´t seen this series yet but the manga is one of my faves
  • January 31, 2008
    It was better than I expected and was damn close to the source material, had a weird ending but it could have been worse.
  • August 21, 2007
    i would like to see this one..
  • July 20, 2007
    At first, I thought it was just gonna be softcore hentai. Instead, it ended up being a pretty funny romantic comedy with a strange sci-fi bent to it. It has a really strange ending that, well, doesn't make a lot of sense. But it's fun to get there.
  • July 18, 2007
    Grandest movie
    Enjoy anime/manga to the fullest good or bad sad or funny they get plus stars in my book
  • July 3, 2007
    Unfortunately this anime doesn't convey the soul of the manga.
  • March 23, 2007
    It's a pity the ending was quite rushed. I like watching Katsura's character design in animes and 'Video Girl Ai' is the best adaptation I've seen.
  • December 4, 2006
    yeah ok, id like to see this!

Critic Reviews


No recent reviews.

Comments


  • LordTenchi
    August 20, 2006
    Video Girl Ai was one of my Favourite Anime’s when I watched it for the first time years & years ago!

    And I can honestly say it still holds a precious place in my heart!

    I HIGHLY recommend Video Girl Ai for any Anime Fans who love to watch Romance / Comedy Anime’s that have a bit of everything!

    So you can straight away connect with the feelings of Ai & Yota!

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast


No information available.

More Like This


Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Ah! My Goddess - The Movie
    Ah! My Goddess - The Movie (100%)

Facts


No facts approved yet. Be the first

Video Girl Ai : Watch Free on TV


Movie Quizzes


No quizzes for Video Girl Ai. Want to create one?

Video Clips


No video clips yet. Want to upload one?

Recent News


No recent headlines. Got one?

Most Popular Skin


No skins yet. Interested in creating one?