Is Death Billiards Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

📖 The Core Premise

Death Billiards returns to the screen in 2013, bringing a fresh narrative to the Animation, Drama, 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. "Death Billiards is one of the four anime works that each received 38 million yen (about US$480,000) from the "2012 Young Animator Training Project." Just like in 2010 and 2011, the animation labor group received 214.5 million yen (US$2.65 million) from the Japanese government's Agency for Cultural Affairs, and it distributed most of those funds to studios who train young animators on-the-job. An old and a young man find themselves in a mysterious bar where they have to play a game of billiard. The bet: their lives."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Yuichi Nakamura shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Animation. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Death Billiards worth your time? If you appreciate Animation, Drama, Mystery films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Death Billiards is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 25 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.