Performance & Direction: The Desperate Review
Last updated: February 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Desperate (1964) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Desperate features a noteworthy lineup led by Minoru Ōki . Supported by the likes of Chisako Hara and Shoji Nakayama , 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.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Desperate
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1964, The Desperate is a Drama, Crime film directed by Takaharu Saeki. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Minoru Ōki.
Ending Explained: The Desperate
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Takaharu Saeki, The Desperate resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Minoru Ōki, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Desperate reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Desperate Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Desperate incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime film directed by Takaharu Saeki, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Minoru Ōki's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Desperate adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Desperate?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Minoru Ōki or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: The Desperate
All Cast & Crew →










The Desperate Parents Guide & Age Rating
1964 AdvisoryWondering about The Desperate age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Desperate is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Desperate is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1964 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Desperate worth watching?
The Desperate is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Desperate parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Desperate identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Desperate?
The total duration of The Desperate is 94 minutes, which is approximately 1h 34m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Desperate
How The Desperate Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Desperate
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.










