Watch Surrogate Valentine

Surrogate Valentine is a romantic-comedy movie that revolves around Goh Nakamura, a character who is confused about what he wants to do with his life. Nakamura is a struggling musician who has seen his fair share of tough times in the music industry. His life takes a turn when he is hired as a guitar teacher and surrogate lover for a famous indie rock star, Danny Turner, played by Chadd Stoops. Danny Turner is struggling himself with love as he wants to get to know a girl he has a crush on, but isn't successful in doing so.

The twist is that Danny Turner looks and sounds very similar to Nakamura, which allows Nakamura to step in as his substitute in the public eye. The movie follows Nakamura as he pretends to be Danny Turner's double at photo shoots, concerts, and music videos, all while dealing with his own personal romantic turmoil.

Throughout the movie, Nakamura grapples with his insecurities regarding love and success, which are compounded by his chaotic experiences with Danny Turner's love life. He meets and romances a girl named Rachel Nguyen, played by Lynn Chen, and the two develop a romantic relationship. However, as Rachel becomes intertwined with Nakamura's life as Danny Turner's surrogate, their relationship becomes more complicated.

The film is named after a famous love song performed by Nakamura in the movie. The song reflects the themes of love and the role of musical influences in the lives of its characters.

The movie has a laid-back, indie feel to it with its simple and charming characters. The scenes provide a glimpse of the Pacific Northwest scenery and a taste of its music culture. The film draws from its director's real-life experiences as well as Nakamura's, adding a level of authenticity to the movie.

Surrogate Valentine perfectly illustrates the struggles of a musician trying to make it in the industry. The fact that Nakamura is playing himself adds more credibility to the movie. It delivers a cross-cultural perspective that is unique in its own right. For example, the movie portrays the perspective of an Asian-American musician trying to compete in the U.S music industry, which is often characterized as a predominantly white industry.

The film handles its romantic themes gracefully and effectively, without resorting to predictable tropes or cheap tricks. The inclusion of music as a prominent component of the movie enhances the audience's experience even more. The songs within Surrogate Valentine are touching and intimate, emphasizing the emotions and struggles of the characters.

Overall, Surrogate Valentine is a unique and witty film that deals with significant themes like love and music in a refreshing and entertaining way. The movie's characters are relatable, and the laid-back nature of the story makes it enjoyable to watch. The movie's storyline and characters will make an impact on you, leaving you with a sense of hope and optimism after watching it.

Surrogate Valentine is a 2011 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 53.