Cure
Performance & Direction: Cure Review
Last updated: February 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Cure (1997) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Cure features a noteworthy lineup led by Koji Yakusho . Supported by the likes of Masato Hagiwara and Tsuyoshi Ujiki , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Cure
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1997, Cure is a Crime, Thriller, Horror, Mystery film directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Koji Yakusho.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A detective starts spiraling out of control when a wave of gruesome murders with seemingly similar bizarre circumstances is sweeping Tokyo. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Koji Yakusho, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Cure
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Cure resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Koji Yakusho, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Cure demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Cure Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Cure incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, thriller, horror, mystery film directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Koji Yakusho's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Cure successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Cure?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Crime cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Cure
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $234.8K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Cure Budget
The estimated production budget for Cure is $20.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Cure
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Cure Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeCure Parents Guide & Age Rating
1997 AdvisoryWondering about Cure age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Cure is 112 minutes (1h 52m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.5/10, and global performance metrics, Cure is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1997 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cure worth watching?
Cure is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Cure parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Cure identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Cure?
The total duration of Cure is 112 minutes, which is approximately 1h 52m long.
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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.
