Is Life Goes on Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

📖 The Core Premise

Life Goes on stands as a 2018 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Documentary 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. "One of Japan's most inspirational documentaries of 2018 "Life Goes On..." True stories of ordinary people struggling to rebuild their lives after the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami of 2011. Courage and compassion in the face of adversity. Six years after East Japan's Great Earthquake & Tsunami, director Mia Yoon reveals why she returned to the affected area. "The tragedy of Tohoku has been broadcasted to the world, but since then, rays of hope and happiness have begun to emerge, and these stories deserve to be told.” Actress Norika Fukiwara introduces to us the realities of life in this beautiful yet tragic landscape. We learn from farmers, children, house wives, a hotel manager, oridnary people struggling to re-build their lives. Against the trauma of lost love ones, devastated commuities and the threat of nuclear fallout, the resilience and benevolence of ordinary people is nothing short of insprational: a message for us all."

🎬 Performance & Direction

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

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Life Goes on worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary 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, Life Goes on misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 81 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.