Is Abnormal Excitement: Nao Saejima Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1989)

📖 The Core Premise

Abnormal Excitement: Nao Saejima returns to the screen in 1989, bringing a fresh narrative to the Thriller, Fantasy genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A woman mysteriously develops psychic powers and the ability to contact spirits of the dead. Tōru, her avaricious husband, convinces the woman to hold seances, charging people money to contact their dead. When the King of Hell learns of this business, he kidnaps the wife. Attempting to rescue his wife, Tōru travels to the underworld with a Chinese monk. On the journey they encounter scenes of horror and sexual perversion."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Nao Saejima feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Thriller. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Abnormal Excitement: Nao Saejima worth your time? If you appreciate Thriller, Fantasy films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Abnormal Excitement: Nao Saejima misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 64 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.