Is The Passenger Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Passenger is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 88 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Passenger Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2006, The Passenger enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Yakuza Naoki Sando discovers his daughter Hiroko in bed with his adopted son Kohji. Under the direction of François Rotger, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Yūsuke Iseya, Gabrielle Lazure, Ryo Kase. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Passenger 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, The Passenger 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 Passenger 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 Passenger centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. Yakuza Naoki Sando discovers his daughter Hiroko in bed with his adopted son Kohji. Three years later, Kohji is working the streets as a hustler, still yearning for a way to earn his estranged father's approval to continue his borderline incestuous relationship. Hiroko sees a way back to her brother's arms when Sando's shady colleague Marc Tanner absconds to Canada with gambling funds destined for the big boss. Presumably with her father's permission, she calls Kohji and tells him to hurry to Montréal, recover the money and kill Tanner. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2006 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Passenger 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 Passenger sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Passenger (2006): with an audience rating of 2/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Crime, Thriller cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Passenger has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Drama, Crime, Thriller), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 2/10, and global collection metrics, The Passenger stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2006 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Passenger movie hit or flop?
The Passenger is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 2/10 and lower collections.
Is The Passenger worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 2/10, The Passenger may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is The Passenger?
The Passenger is a Drama, Crime, Thriller movie that Yakuza Naoki Sando discovers his daughter Hiroko in bed with his adopted son Kohji. Three years later, Kohji is working the streets as a hustler, stil...
Explore More Verdicts
More with Yūsuke Iseya
View full filmography
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Passenger movie hit or flop?
The Passenger is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 2/10 and lower collections.
Is The Passenger worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 2/10, The Passenger may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is The Passenger?
The Passenger is a Drama, Crime, Thriller movie that Yakuza Naoki Sando discovers his daughter Hiroko in bed with his adopted son Kohji. Three years later, Kohji is working the streets as a hustler, stil...
Is The Passenger family friendly?
The Passenger may not be suitable for all family members as it contains Drama, Crime, Thriller elements. Parental guidance is recommended.
Where can I watch The Passenger?
You can find streaming options and availability for The Passenger on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of The Passenger?
The Passenger 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 Passenger?
The runtime and duration of The Passenger are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
No reviews found for this filter.