Is Summer for the Living Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Summer for the Living is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Summer for the Living Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2011, Summer for the Living enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on A humanistic drama about an encounter in the life of a woman around the age of 40, set during the Obon season when the living take time to reflect on the dead. Under the direction of Kenji Fukuma, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Akira Yoshino. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Summer for the Living 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, Summer for the Living resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama 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, Summer for the Living is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Summer for the Living centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. A humanistic drama about an encounter in the life of a woman around the age of 40, set during the Obon season when the living take time to reflect on the dead. Director Fukuma Kenji is also a poet and a university professor. Chikage (Yoshino Akira) is reunited with Shohei (Suzuki Tsunekichi), a man she once lived together with, and his daughter Saki (Kohara Saori). After several twists and turns, Chikage and Shohei come to share the same roof again, but Saki is unable to accept it. Then one year later during Obon, relations eventually thaw between Chikage and Saki. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2011 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Summer for the Living 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 Summer for the Living sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Summer for the Living (2011): with an audience rating of 0/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Summer for the Living has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Summer for the Living stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2011 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Summer for the Living movie hit or flop?
Summer for the Living is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Summer for the Living worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Summer for the Living may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Summer for the Living online?
Summer for the Living 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.
Explore More Verdicts
More with Akira Yoshino
View full filmography
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Summer for the Living movie hit or flop?
Summer for the Living is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Summer for the Living worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Summer for the Living may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Summer for the Living online?
Summer for the Living 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.
What is the story of Summer for the Living?
Summer for the Living is a Drama movie that follows: A humanistic drama about an encounter in the life of a woman around the age of 40, set during the Obon season when the living take time to reflect on the dead. Director Fukuma Kenji is also a poet and...
Is Summer for the Living family friendly?
Summer for the Living is classified as Drama. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is Summer for the Living available in?
Summer for the Living is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
A humanistic drama about an encounter in the life of a woman around the age of 40, set during the Obon season when the living take time to reflect on the dead. Director Fukuma Kenji is also a poet and a university professor. Chikage (Yoshino Akira) is reunited with Shohei (Suzuki Tsunekichi), a man she once lived together with, and his daughter Saki (Kohara Saori). After several twists and turns, Chikage and Shohei come to share the same roof again, but Saki is unable to accept it. Then one year later during Obon, relations eventually thaw between Chikage and Saki.
Critic Reviews
No reviews found for this filter.