Is Crime Mystery by Kosaku Asahina: Tragedy of Hanasaki Village Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

📖 The Core Premise

Crime Mystery by Kosaku Asahina: Tragedy of Hanasaki Village returns to the screen in 2016, bringing a fresh narrative to the Mystery 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. "Mystery writer Kosaku Asahina scores yet another scoop in a case that occurred in the streets. He even personally conducts investigations and frequently makes these cases the basis for his own novels. It maybe because his late father was a scholar that he is cool, but brims with curiosity and action. One day, Kosaku is facing the computer in his living room and writing a new novel. The novel is based on the baffling case of a female who fell to her death in Setagaya in the past. Kosaku had personally conducted interviews and inspected the scene of her death, but still cannot get to the truth. Then a letter addressed to his father Konosuke who died more than 20 years ago, is delivered to Kosaku. The name of the sender is the female whose mysterious death from a fall, is the subject of Kosaku’s new novel."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Kotaro Koizumi attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Mystery. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Crime Mystery by Kosaku Asahina: Tragedy of Hanasaki Village worth your time? If you appreciate Mystery 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, Crime Mystery by Kosaku Asahina: Tragedy of Hanasaki Village misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 114 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.