Is Laughing Under the Clouds Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Laughing Under the Clouds is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 94 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Laughing Under the Clouds Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2018, Laughing Under the Clouds enters the Action genre with a narrative focused on In the dawn of the Meiji period, the Gokumonjou, an inescapable prison, has been established in the middle of an enormous lake to counter the soaring crime rates the new era has brought. Under the direction of Katsuyuki Motohiro, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Sota Fukushi. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Laughing Under the Clouds offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Laughing Under the Clouds resonates with current cultural themes in the Action space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Laughing Under the Clouds is available for streaming on Hulu. It is also featured on platforms like U-NEXT and Plus Shochiku Amazon Channel. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Laughing Under the Clouds centers on a unique premise within the Action landscape. In the dawn of the Meiji period, the Gokumonjou, an inescapable prison, has been established in the middle of an enormous lake to counter the soaring crime rates the new era has brought. Serving as the ferrymen are the famous Kumou brothers: the eccentric family head, Tenka; the reckless but noble second son, Soramaru; and the guileless youngest, Chuutarou. In spite of their grim work, the three lead relatively peaceful lives in the ever-cloudy town of Oumi, together with their housekeeper, Shirasu Kinjou. But buried in the long history of Oumi is the legend of the terrifying "Orochi," a serpentine beast that awakens every three hundred years in a human vessel. Unbeknownst to Soramaru and Chuutarou, the actual job of the Kumou family is to seal the Orochi away before it fully revives—or the world will be plunged into destruction. Amid the monster's next resurrection, the Kumou family must find the resolve to keep laughing under the clouds. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2018 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Laughing Under the Clouds has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Laughing Under the Clouds sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Laughing Under the Clouds (2018): with an audience rating of 5.3/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Action, Drama, Adventure cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch Laughing Under the Clouds Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Hulu
U-NEXT
Plus Shochiku Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesParents Guide & Age Rating
Laughing Under the Clouds has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Action, Drama, Adventure), viewers should expect violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, Laughing Under the Clouds stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2018 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laughing Under the Clouds movie hit or flop?
Laughing Under the Clouds has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Laughing Under the Clouds worth watching?
Laughing Under the Clouds is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Drama, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Laughing Under the Clouds online?
Laughing Under the Clouds is currently available for streaming on Hulu. You can also check for it on platforms like Hulu, U-NEXT, Plus Shochiku Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Laughing Under the Clouds movie hit or flop?
Laughing Under the Clouds has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Laughing Under the Clouds worth watching?
Laughing Under the Clouds is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Drama, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Laughing Under the Clouds online?
Laughing Under the Clouds is currently available for streaming on Hulu. You can also check for it on platforms like Hulu, U-NEXT, Plus Shochiku Amazon Channel depending on your region.
What is the story of Laughing Under the Clouds?
Laughing Under the Clouds is a Action, Drama, Adventure movie that follows: In the dawn of the Meiji period, the Gokumonjou, an inescapable prison, has been established in the middle of an enormous lake to counter the soaring crime rates the new era has brought. Serving as th...
Is Laughing Under the Clouds family friendly?
Laughing Under the Clouds is classified as Action, Drama, Adventure. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is Laughing Under the Clouds available in?
Laughing Under the Clouds is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
In the dawn of the Meiji period, the Gokumonjou, an inescapable prison, has been established in the middle of an enormous lake to counter the soaring crime rates the new era has brought. Serving as the ferrymen are the famous Kumou brothers: the eccentric family head, Tenka; the reckless but noble second son, Soramaru; and the guileless youngest, Chuutarou. In spite of their grim work, the three lead relatively peaceful lives in the ever-cloudy town of Oumi, together with their housekeeper, Shirasu Kinjou. But buried in the long history of Oumi is the legend of the terrifying "Orochi," a serpentine beast that awakens every three hundred years in a human vessel. Unbeknownst to Soramaru and Chuutarou, the actual job of the Kumou family is to seal the Orochi away before it fully revives—or the world will be plunged into destruction. Amid the monster's next resurrection, the Kumou family must find the resolve to keep laughing under the clouds.
Critic Reviews
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