Is Manji Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1998)

📖 The Core Premise

Manji returns to the screen in 1998, 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. "Sonoko is a married woman who gets to know a naive young woman, Mitsuko. Sonoko becomes enchanted with Mitsuko, and they begin a forbidden affair. The relationship comes to include Sonoko's husband, and the three begin a new life together... The affair features the nude actresses in daring lesbian love scenes. Film adaptation of Junichiro Tanizaki's literary masterpiece, "Manji.""

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Manji, even the presence of Kaori Sakagami struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. 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 Manji 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, Manji misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 80 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.