Is How Selfish I Am! Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

🎬 The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2013, How Selfish I Am! represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Romance, Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Even though Kumiko realizes that she won’t be able to patch things up with her former lover, she ends up preparing a meal for him. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Romance, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Even though Kumiko realizes that she won’t be able to patch things up with her former lover, she ends up preparing a meal for him. Though she lives only for going to the concerts of her favorite band, Mie curses her nonexistent luck when she’s forced to do overtime on the day of a concert. Although Tsuda somehow lives off of doing day labor, he does not have any friends and is unable to establish interaction with society. In his indolent lifestyle, Rikuo only knows how to express himself through violence. The clumsy lives of these characters intersect."

🎭 Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Sei Ando ensure that the emotional beats of How Selfish I Am! always land with sufficient weight. Sei Ando provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Daigo Matsui is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 106 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

🤔 Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is How Selfish I Am! truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Romance, Drama, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

⚖️ Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, How Selfish I Am! explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2013 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Daigo Matsui respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

🏆 Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, How Selfish I Am! serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Sei Ando or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, How Selfish I Am! is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.