Is Chicken Phoenix Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)

📖 The Core Premise

Chicken Phoenix returns to the screen in 2022, bringing a fresh narrative to the various 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. "Childhood friends Sota, and Rakuto are on a journey to find the Phoenix, which shouldn't exist. As adults, there remains a dark shadow over each of them as their lives have progressed, thus they seek a bit of escapism in their travels. Parallel to their own story, is the mysterious bride. Not to mention a deserted youkai snack bar in the underworld, a gang from an SM Castle, an agricultural rapper, a young man on a bike trip, a monk peaching about enlightenment, the owner and operator of an empty movie theater, and more that the duo meet on their aimless journey. The hints of the true colors of life are within the journey, so what kind of Phoenix are they looking for?"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Arata Iura is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good cinema. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Chicken Phoenix worth your time? If you appreciate various films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2022, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Chicken Phoenix is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 104 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.