The main characters, Taku and Rikako, are both flawed, somewhat impulsive, and slightly wrong in the way they handle things. Rikako is selfish, as she painfully tries to work through her parents divorce. Taku, understandably, wavers between getting fed up with her and sympathizing with her. He's a naturally kind person, but that kindness will only go so far. In youth, sometimes it's hard to understand or see other people's perceptions because you're so caught up in your own feelings. I think Ocean Waves captures this perfectly.
The movie's plot is essentially high school drama, but watching how these characters deal with the drama was interesting, unexpected and realistic. At times, you hate these characters and at other times, you understand them. I think the films provides a realistic portray of teenagers.
It's not a masterpiece, but I don't think it's as terrible as some say either. Ocean Waves is about how in our youth, we get so caught up in things and at the time, they seem justifiable. Looking back, they seem like nothing. It provides a space for nostalgia, and captures the fun in getting caught up in the moment; even if two people are completely uncompatiable at the time.
