Is Pride Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Pride is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 126 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Pride Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, Pride emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Comedy, Music domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Shio Asami (Stephanie) was brought up in a wealthy family whose mother is a prominent opera singer. Unlike standard genre fare, Pride attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Shusuke Kaneko, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Pride features a noteworthy lineup led by Stephanie. Supported by the likes of Hikari Mitsushima and Dai Watanabe, 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. However, the sheer charisma of Stephanie, Hikari Mitsushima, Dai Watanabe manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2009 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama, Comedy, Music space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Pride is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Pride follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 126 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Pride resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Pride is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. Shio Asami (Stephanie) was brought up in a wealthy family whose mother is a prominent opera singer. However, the bankruptcy of her father’s business forced her to give up becoming an opera singer. Moe Midorikawa (Hikari Mitsushima) entrapped Shio and claimed a victory in an opera contest. A competition of two heroines ensues, placing their pride on the line.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Pride (2009) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama, Comedy, Music categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Stephanie, Hikari Mitsushima, Dai Watanabe or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Pride is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2009. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Pride has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, Pride stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pride movie hit or flop?
Pride has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Pride worth watching?
Pride is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Comedy, Music movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Pride online?
Pride may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
Shio Asami (Stephanie) was brought up in a wealthy family whose mother is a prominent opera singer. However, the bankruptcy of her father’s business forced her to give up becoming an opera singer. Moe Midorikawa (Hikari Mitsushima) entrapped Shio and claimed a victory in an opera contest. A competition of two heroines ensues, placing their pride on the line.