Is One Day in January Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2012)

📖 The Core Premise

One Day in January returns to the screen in 2012, bringing a fresh narrative to the various 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. "Every year on the fourth of January, Shobei's soba restaurant serves "Sanada Soba"; soba noodles topped with grated spicy daikon radish. Even regulars refrain from coming to the restaurant because of the extra spicy soba. But on year, a stranger comes in and finishes the bowl, announcing that it tastes familiar. The man begins to visit every year on the 4th of January to eat Sanada Soba. Shobei develops a warm feeling towards the peculiar customer he interacts with once a year."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In One Day in January, Ken Matsudaira delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good cinema. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is One Day in January 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 2012, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, One Day in January is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 78 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.