Is Waiting for the Moon Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Waiting for the Moon is likely a skip if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 125 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Waiting for the Moon Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2017, Waiting for the Moon enters the Romance genre with a narrative focused on Yumi is a victim when the triple disaster of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown occur in Japan of 2011. Under the direction of Michio Koshikawa, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Arata Iura. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Waiting for the Moon 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 125-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Waiting for the Moon resonates with current cultural themes in the Romance 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, Waiting for the Moon is available for streaming on U-NEXT. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Waiting for the Moon centers on a unique premise within the Romance landscape. Yumi is a victim when the triple disaster of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown occur in Japan of 2011. She is a guest of her aunt now. She finds a job at a local bar and works under the owner Sugiya, a man who has amnesia and barely recalls anything except his recipes. The two begin to develop feelings for one another. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2017 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Waiting for the Moon 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 Waiting for the Moon sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Waiting for the Moon (2017): with an audience rating of 5/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Romance, Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch Waiting for the Moon Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
U-NEXT🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Waiting for the Moon has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Romance, Drama), viewers should expect romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, Waiting for the Moon stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Waiting for the Moon movie hit or flop?
Waiting for the Moon has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Waiting for the Moon worth watching?
Waiting for the Moon is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Romance, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Waiting for the Moon online?
Waiting for the Moon is currently available for streaming on U-NEXT. You can also check for it on platforms like U-NEXT depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Waiting for the Moon movie hit or flop?
Waiting for the Moon has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Waiting for the Moon worth watching?
Waiting for the Moon is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Romance, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Waiting for the Moon online?
Waiting for the Moon is currently available for streaming on U-NEXT. You can also check for it on platforms like U-NEXT depending on your region.
What is the story of Waiting for the Moon?
Waiting for the Moon is a Romance, Drama movie that follows: Yumi is a victim when the triple disaster of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown occur in Japan of 2011. She is a guest of her aunt now. She finds a job at a local bar and works under the owne...
Is Waiting for the Moon family friendly?
Waiting for the Moon is classified as Romance, Drama. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is Waiting for the Moon available in?
Waiting for the Moon is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Yumi is a victim when the triple disaster of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown occur in Japan of 2011. She is a guest of her aunt now. She finds a job at a local bar and works under the owner Sugiya, a man who has amnesia and barely recalls anything except his recipes. The two begin to develop feelings for one another.
Critic Reviews
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