Is I Want to Be a Shellfish Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1958)

📖 The Core Premise

I Want to Be a Shellfish stands as a 1958 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the various landscape. 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. "Television production of I Want to Be a Shellfish. On a post-war peaceful day in Japan, Toyomatsu Shimizu, a barber as well as a good father and husband, is suddenly arrested by the Prefectural Police as a war criminal and sued for murder. According to the accusation by GHQ, Toyomatsu "attemped to kill a US prisoner", which was nothing but an order by his superior and failed after all with hurting the prisoner by weak Toyomatsu. Also, Toyomatsu was driven to corner at the trial by the fact that he fed the US prisoner some burdock roots to nourish him. Toyomatsu believes nothing but being not guilty, but he is sentenced to death by hanging. Prior to the execution, Toyomatsu writes a long farewell letter to his family, the wife and the only son: "If I ever incarnate, I hate to be a human being any more.... Oh yes, I would like to be...a shellfish living on the rock-bottom of the sea.""

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Frankie Sakai 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 cinema. The cinematography and score further amplify the experience, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is I Want to Be a Shellfish worth your time? If you appreciate various films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1958, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, I Want to Be a Shellfish is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 100 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.