Is Angel's Smile, Devil's Tears Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1989)

📖 The Core Premise

Angel's Smile, Devil's Tears returns to the screen in 1989, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, Romance 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. "This musical play is based on the first act of Goethe's Faust. The angel Mephistopheles is condemned to fall from heaven after committing a sin. He is told that he can only return to heaven if he can bring a human being on the path of salvation. Mephistopheles refuses, believing that man is inherently evil. Vowing to drag a human down to hell along with him, he descends onto Earth and sets his sights on a man named Faust, an aged professor with no will to live."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Angel's Smile, Devil's Tears, even the presence of Tsurugi Miyuki struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Angel's Smile, Devil's Tears worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Romance 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, Angel's Smile, Devil's Tears misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 70 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.