Is Fukumimi Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2003)

📖 The Core Premise

Fukumimi returns to the screen in 2003, bringing a fresh narrative to the Comedy, Drama, Fantasy 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. "29-year-old Satonaka Takashi (Kudo Kankuro) is a freelancer. He falls in love at first sight with Satoru Nobunaga (Shiho Takano), who was a nurse at his previous hospitalization. He half stalks her and ends up working at the "Time Machine" restaurant in Tokyo Patio, an apartment complex for the elderly in Asakusa. On his first day of work, Takashi is approached at the entrance by a strange old man (Kunie Tanaka). However, he is told that the old man, Fujiwara Fujiro, is already dead. Fujiro, unable to give up his feelings for Chidori Kanzaki (Yoko Tsukasa), whom he loved before her death, possesses Takashi and uses his body to fulfill his feelings for her. Possessed by Fujirou, Takashi tries somehow to get rid of the spirit, but without success. However, when Fujirou discovers his feelings for Saiya, Takashi is helped by Fujirou, who has a wealth of knowledge and experience due to his age, and finally decides to allow Saiya to live with him in his body..."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Fukumimi, even the presence of Kankuro Kudo struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Fukumimi worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, Drama, Fantasy 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, Fukumimi misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 110 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.