Is Mr. Kim Goes to the Cinema Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2025)

📖 The Core Premise

Mr. Kim Goes to the Cinema returns to the screen in 2025, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary 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. "The first feature documentary directed by Kim Dong-ho, former festival director of the Busan International Film Festival, this film captures the present landscape of theaters and films across Asia through the eyes of a seasoned film professional. Now retired from public service, Kim travels with his camera to document the post-pandemic cinematic ecosystem, visiting theaters and film festivals in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, and beyond, and gathering memories and concerns from filmmakers along the way. Prominent figures like Lee Chang-dong, Park Chan-wook, Bong Joon-ho, Kore-eda Hirokazu, Tsai Ming-Liang, and Garin Nugroho eagerly share their thoughts on the fate of theaters and the future of cinema. What begins as a survey of the current state of theaters evolves into an emotional chronicle and an opportunity to reflect on the essence and sustainability of cinema."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Kim Dong-ho 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 Mr. Kim Goes to the Cinema 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, Mr. Kim Goes to the Cinema misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 104 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.