Is Insurance Investigator Shigarami Taro's Case Files ~Sanuki Murder Case~ Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1997)

📖 The Core Premise

Insurance Investigator Shigarami Taro's Case Files ~Sanuki Murder Case~ returns to the screen in 1997, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama 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. "Taro Shiraga (played by Ninomi Kobayashi), nicknamed “Shigarami Taro”, works in the insurance company’s contract management division. Officially, his role is to entertain insurance saleswomen and encourage them to improve their sales performance. Behind the scenes, however, he is a shrewd investigator of insurance pay-outs. Whenever an incident occurs, his “eyes” at the scene are sharp and discerning. Yet this hidden side of him remains unknown to his colleagues and family. One day, Taro is instructed to go to Matsue under the pretence of entertaining saleswomen from the Matsue branch. In reality, it is an assignment to investigate an insurance claim."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Nenji Kobayashi feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Insurance Investigator Shigarami Taro's Case Files ~Sanuki Murder Case~ worth your time? If you appreciate Drama 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, Insurance Investigator Shigarami Taro's Case Files ~Sanuki Murder Case~ misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of N/A minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.