Is Ritardando Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2011)

📖 The Core Premise

Ritardando stands as a 2011 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the various 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. ""Ritardando" depicts the lives of a husband suffering from early-onset Alzheimer's, his wife who has turned their home into her workplace to care for him, and the relatives and neighbors who gather there. Despite facing the illness, the couple spend their days laughing, but at the same time, they are on the verge of giving up due to the growing fear of the disease. The play unfolds the true faces of this couple, revealing moments of tenderness and vulnerability, and the miracles that occur along the way. Set to memorable music, "Ritardando" is a poignant portrayal of the beautiful yet heart-wrenching nature of human life."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Maki Ichiro feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. 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 Ritardando worth your time? If you appreciate various 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, Ritardando misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 140 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.