Everything about Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac suggests a joint Japanese-US production. From the cast and the split-language dialogue to the setting - a Tokyo international school - the film truly exudes an international flavour.
After falling down some steps, Naomi Sukuse (Maki Horikita) loses all memory of the past four years. She does not recognise her best friend Mirai (Yuya Tegoshi) or her boyfriend Ace (Anton Yelchin), so must piece together her memories and remember who she is.
Those familiar with director Hans Canosa will know his obsession with manipulating the appearance of the screen. His previous film, Conversations with Other Women, is presented entirely in split-screen. With Memoirs, whenever photos are taken, the resulting still images are placed on-screen.
The film puts Russian-born actor Yelchin in a difficult spot. His role as a brash jock is forced - wearing Abercrombie tees and a Yankees cap does not make you American. And there is very little chemistry between Yelchin and Horikita - luckily they don't share much screen time.
The film has a really great concept, thanks to Gabrielle Zevin, the screenwriter and author of the original book. It's just a shame it doesn't manage to achieve its full potential.