Starting Over Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: Starting Over
| Movie | Starting Over |
| Release Year | 2014 |
| Director | Takashi Nishihara |
| Genre | Drama / Romance |
| Runtime | 94 minutes (1h 34m) |
| Language | JA |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Starting Over (2014) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Starting Over are led by Mika Akizuki . The supporting cast, including Nina Endo and Makiko Watanabe , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Starting Over does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Starting Over 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 Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Starting Over
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2014, Starting Over is a Drama, Romance film directed by Takashi Nishihara, written by Takashi Nishihara. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mika Akizuki as Nana Kuroswa.
Ending Explained: Starting Over
Starting Over Ending Explained: Nana is 19 and lives in a corner of Tokyo. Directed by Takashi Nishihara, this 2014 drama film stars Mika Akizuki (Nana Kuroswa), alongside Nina Endo as Marin Hashimoto, Makiko Watanabe as Keiko Kuroswa, Kiyohiko Shibukawa as Kazuhiro Naruse. Rated 4.3/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Starting Over?
Nana is 19 and lives in a corner of Tokyo. Her birth mother and Marin, a girl the same age who she loves, were the only people she could trust. Nana confronts them in her yearning for love, but the world does not give it to her. With her whole life ahead of her, Nana struggles, suffers, and begins a search for the true meaning of love.
Takashi Nishihara's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Mika Akizuki (Nana Kuroswa)'s journey. Her birth mother and Marin, a girl the same age who she loves, were the only people she could trust.
How Does Mika Akizuki (Nana Kuroswa)'s Story End?
- Mika Akizuki: Mika Akizuki's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Nina Endo (Marin Hashimoto): Nina Endo's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Makiko Watanabe (Keiko Kuroswa): Makiko Watanabe's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Starting Over Mean?
The ending of Starting Over brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Mika Akizuki's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Starting Over Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Starting Over Based on a True Story?
No, Starting Over is a work of fiction. While the drama, romance film directed by Takashi Nishihara and starring Mika Akizuki may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Starting Over?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Where to Watch Starting Over Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
FOD Channel Amazon Channel
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
FOD🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreStarting Over Parents Guide & Age Rating
2014 AdvisoryWondering about Starting Over age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Starting Over (2014) is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Directed by Takashi Nishihara, the film runs for 94 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.3/10, and global performance metrics, Starting Over is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 2014 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starting Over worth watching?
Starting Over is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 4.3/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Starting Over parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Starting Over identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Starting Over (2014)?
The runtime of Starting Over (2014) is 94 minutes (approximately 1h 34m).
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.
