Is Praying Mantis Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Praying Mantis is likely a skip if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 84 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Praying Mantis Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1983, Praying Mantis enters the Mystery genre with a narrative focused on A man and a woman drift ashore after a typhoon. Under the direction of Shunichi Kajima, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Midori Satsuki, Ryô Hayami, Mako Toyoda. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Praying Mantis 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, Praying Mantis resonates with current cultural themes in the Mystery 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 January 2026, Praying Mantis is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Praying Mantis centers on a unique premise within the Mystery landscape. A man and a woman drift ashore after a typhoon. The man, dead, is an escaped perpetrator, and the woman, alive, is a hairdresser Masako. A detective in charge of an embezzlement case is tracking the whereabouts of disappeared money and suspects Masako. One year later, a real estate company president dies a suspicious death in front of Masako at her beauty salon. Was it an accidents or murder? The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1983 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Praying Mantis 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 Praying Mantis sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Praying Mantis (1983): with an audience rating of 4/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Mystery cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Praying Mantis has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4/10, and global collection metrics, Praying Mantis stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1983 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Praying Mantis movie hit or flop?
Praying Mantis is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Is Praying Mantis worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4/10, Praying Mantis may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is Praying Mantis?
Praying Mantis is a Mystery movie that A man and a woman drift ashore after a typhoon. The man, dead, is an escaped perpetrator, and the woman, alive, is a hairdresser Masako. A detective i...
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Praying Mantis movie hit or flop?
Praying Mantis is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Is Praying Mantis worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4/10, Praying Mantis may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is Praying Mantis?
Praying Mantis is a Mystery movie that A man and a woman drift ashore after a typhoon. The man, dead, is an escaped perpetrator, and the woman, alive, is a hairdresser Masako. A detective i...
Is Praying Mantis family friendly?
Praying Mantis is a Mystery movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch Praying Mantis?
You can find streaming options and availability for Praying Mantis on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of Praying Mantis?
Praying Mantis features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie Praying Mantis?
The runtime and duration of Praying Mantis are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
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