Is Groper Train: One Minute Before Departure Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1985)

📖 The Core Premise

Groper Train: One Minute Before Departure returns to the screen in 1985, 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. "Kimiko, who came from the countryside, gets a job at a travel agency, but the manager she is introduced to is Yu, who was the person who molested her on the train. Feeling somewhat responsible, Yu teaches her the job and also gently guides her to become a more urban woman. Kimiko begins to have feelings for him, but is shocked to find out that Yu secretly loves Eri, the secretary to a client's president. Then, due to a certain incident, Kimiko ends up going to a hotel with that client's president, Chikamatsu..."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Aki Hayasaka 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 cinema. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Groper Train: One Minute Before Departure worth your time? If you appreciate various 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, Groper Train: One Minute Before Departure misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 60 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.