Is Shining Boy Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Shining Boy is likely a skip if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 60 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Shining Boy Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1989, Shining Boy enters the Romance genre with a narrative focused on Toshio and Masato live like a married couple and jointly run the gay bar "Crystal". Under the direction of Kinya Ogawa, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Kenji Kogi, Masato Kudo, Kinya Ogawa. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Shining Boy offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Shining Boy is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 2/10, the reception has been negative. For fans of Romance, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
Cast of Shining Boy
- Kenji Kogi –
- Masato Kudo –
- Kinya Ogawa –
- Shinya Kobayashi –
- Kazuhiko Aoki –
Top Highlights
Kenji Kogi
Masato Kudo
Kinya Ogawa
Shinya Kobayashi
Kazuhiko Aoki
Hitomi Kazama
Kinichi Kusumi
Ryuji Yamamoto
Katsurō Sakai
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 2/10, and global collection metrics, Shining Boy stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shining Boy movie hit or flop?
Shining Boy is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 2/10 and lower collections.
Is Shining Boy worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 2/10, Shining Boy may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is Shining Boy?
Shining Boy is a Romance movie that Toshio and Masato live like a married couple and jointly run the gay bar "Crystal". One day, Toshio receives a letter asking him to live with his son,...
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