The Third Murder
Performance & Direction: The Third Murder Review
Last updated: February 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Third Murder (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. 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 Third Murder features a noteworthy lineup led by Masaharu Fukuyama . Supported by the likes of Koji Yakusho and Suzu Hirose , 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 Third Murder
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, The Third Murder is a Drama, Mystery, Crime film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. 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 Masaharu Fukuyama.
Ending Explained: The Third Murder
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, The Third Murder concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Masaharu Fukuyama, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Third Murder reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Third Murder Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Third Murder incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, mystery, crime film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Masaharu Fukuyama's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Third Murder adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Third Murder?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Masaharu Fukuyama or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: The Third Murder
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Third Murder Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Apple TV Store
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Third Murder Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about The Third Murder age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Third Murder is 125 minutes (2h 5m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Third Murder is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Third Murder worth watching?
The Third Murder is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Third Murder parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Third Murder identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Third Murder?
The total duration of The Third Murder is 125 minutes, which is approximately 2h 5m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Third Murder
A very good courtroom procedural with a brilliantly complex performance from the always great Kōji Yakusho. Still, this is a major change of pace from Koreeda and I don't know that I'm a fan of the new style. He does familial drama best and I hope he returns to form on his next feature.
The Third Murder explores a complex murder case through the eyes of legal professionals, questioning truth, justice, and the integrity of the system. While the film offers powerful performances and strong cinematography, its slow pacing and unresolved subplots may leave viewers with lingering questions. It ultimately highlights the immense responsibility legal authorities bear, as their choices can determine life or death. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)
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.
