Is Before the Vigil Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

📖 The Core Premise

Before the Vigil returns to the screen in 2013, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama 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. "Matsuoi and his wife Tsuya moved to Oshima City because of her unpredictable character. Even though Tsuya continues to have affairs, Matsuoi loves her and is a devoted husband. Tsuya is then diagnosed with a cancer and later goes into a coma. Matsuoi then thinks of his wife's lovers. Matsui goes to those men and informs them of Tatsuya's condition. The other women in the lives of those men are shocked and begin to re-examine their views of their men."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Hiroshi Abe does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. 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 Before the Vigil worth your time? If you appreciate Drama 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, Before the Vigil is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 138 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.