Not in Textbooks Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Not in Textbooks
| Movie | Not in Textbooks |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| Director | Shota Sasaki |
| Genre | Comedy / Romance |
| Runtime | 74 minutes (1h 14m) |
| Language | JA |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Not in Textbooks (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Not in Textbooks are led by Ayaka Morikawa . The supporting cast, including Ryoma Baba and Moemi Katayama , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Not in Textbooks does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Not in Textbooks has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Not in Textbooks
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, Not in Textbooks is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Shota Sasaki, written by Shota Sasaki. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. As part of the Not in Textbooks Series, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ayaka Morikawa as Aya Shirakaba.
Ending Explained: Not in Textbooks
Not in Textbooks Ending Explained: The romantic comedy and drama follows the manga of the same name and follows the adventures of cute and coquettish schoolgirl Shirabaka Aya and nerd of a man Tairaku Arihiko. Directed by Shota Sasaki, this 2016 comedy film stars Ayaka Morikawa (Aya Shirakaba), alongside Ryoma Baba as Arihiko Tairaku, Moemi Katayama as Yayoi Satsuki, Yurisa as Saki Kosuge. Rated 4.8/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Not in Textbooks?
The romantic comedy and drama follows the manga of the same name and follows the adventures of cute and coquettish schoolgirl Shirabaka Aya and nerd of a man Tairaku Arihiko. There is a problem or two. Aya loves Arihiko. Arihiko is a school teacher. Aya is a student at the school. Aya's father is a yakuza thug. Aya and Arihiko live in the same apartment. Aya is hot. Arihiko could lose his job.
Shota Sasaki's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Ayaka Morikawa (Aya Shirakaba)'s journey. There is a problem or two.
As part of the Not in Textbooks Series, the ending carries additional weight for fans following the franchise.
How Does Ayaka Morikawa (Aya Shirakaba)'s Story End?
- Ayaka Morikawa: Ayaka Morikawa's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Ryoma Baba (Arihiko Tairaku): Ryoma Baba's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Moemi Katayama (Yayoi Satsuki): Moemi Katayama's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Not in Textbooks Mean?
The ending of Not in Textbooks brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Ayaka Morikawa's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Not in Textbooks Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Not in Textbooks Based on a True Story?
No, Not in Textbooks is a work of fiction. While the comedy, romance film directed by Shota Sasaki and starring Ayaka Morikawa may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Not in Textbooks?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 74 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch Not in Textbooks Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
FOD🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesNot in Textbooks Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about Not in Textbooks age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Not in Textbooks (2016) is 74 minutes (1h 14m). Directed by Shota Sasaki, the film runs for 74 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.8/10, and global performance metrics, Not in Textbooks is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Not in Textbooks worth watching?
Not in Textbooks is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 4.8/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Not in Textbooks parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Not in Textbooks identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Not in Textbooks (2016)?
The runtime of Not in Textbooks (2016) is 74 minutes (approximately 1h 14m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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Part of the Not in Textbooks Series
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