Is The Long Darkness Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Long Darkness is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 121 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Long Darkness Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1972, The Long Darkness enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on The relationship between Tetsuro, a university student from a disgraced, burdened family, and Shino, a waitress supporting her impoverished relatives. Under the direction of Kei Kumai, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Komaki Kurihara, Gō Katō, Yasushi Nagata. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Long Darkness offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 121-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Long Darkness 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 January 2026, The Long Darkness 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 The Long Darkness centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. The relationship between Tetsuro, a university student from a disgraced, burdened family, and Shino, a waitress supporting her impoverished relatives. The couple decides to marry despite the significant emotional and social hardships each faces, viewing their love as a means to overcome the shame and despair inherited from their pasts. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1972 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Long Darkness 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 The Long Darkness sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Long Darkness (1972): with an audience rating of 6.4/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Cast of The Long Darkness
- Komaki Kurihara – Shino
- Gō Katō – Tetsuro
- Yasushi Nagata – Tetsuro's father
- Hisako Takihana – Tetsuro's mother
- Kinzō Shin – Shino's father
Top Highlights
Komaki KuriharaShino
Gō KatōTetsuro
Yasushi NagataTetsuro's father
Hisako TakihanaTetsuro's mother
Kinzō ShinShino's father
Kaneko IwasakiKayo
Kayoko OnishiSayako
Hisashi IgawaTetsuro's brother
Kin SugaiWellwisher on train
Toshie KimuraOkami
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Long Darkness has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Drama, Romance), viewers should expect romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Long Darkness stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1972 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Long Darkness movie hit or flop?
The Long Darkness has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Long Darkness worth watching?
The Long Darkness is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Long Darkness?
The Long Darkness is a Drama, Romance movie that The relationship between Tetsuro, a university student from a disgraced, burdened family, and Shino, a waitress supporting her impoverished relatives....
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Long Darkness movie hit or flop?
The Long Darkness has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Long Darkness worth watching?
The Long Darkness is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Long Darkness?
The Long Darkness is a Drama, Romance movie that The relationship between Tetsuro, a university student from a disgraced, burdened family, and Shino, a waitress supporting her impoverished relatives....
Is The Long Darkness family friendly?
The Long Darkness is a Drama, Romance movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch The Long Darkness?
You can find streaming options and availability for The Long Darkness on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of The Long Darkness?
The Long Darkness 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 The Long Darkness?
The runtime and duration of The Long Darkness 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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