Maruyama, the Middle Schooler

Katsuya Maruyama is a middle school student boy full of obscene thoughts. He then meets Tatsuo Shimoi, a single father who moves into the same apartment complex. Tatsuo Shimoi is a bit of an enigma: he doesn't get along with the housewives in the apartment complex and doesn't appear to work. Through his encounter with the mysterious single father, Katsuya grows as a person.

Directed by Kankuro Kudo, Maruyama, the Middle Schooler leans on a strong ensemble — Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Takuma Hiraoka, Yang Ik-june — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 2013.