Is Shashin Koshien Summer in 0.5 Seconds Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

📖 The Core Premise

Shashin Koshien Summer in 0.5 Seconds stands as a 2017 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. ""National High School Photography Championship Tournament", also known as "Shashin Koshien" is an event held annually in Higashikawa, Hokkaido, Japan's town of photography. Every summer, Shashin Koshien decides which school has the best photography club. Oyama, Sakura, and Mirai from Kansai Academy in Osaka were encouraged by their advisor to join with the aim of letting them experience "a world where people who are challenged could see". Meanwhile, Tsubakiyama Shota, a senior at Sakuragaoka Gakuen in Tokyo is the only member of his school's photography club. Other members resigned thinking that photography won't help in getting them to a university. In spite of principal Saeki objecting to his plans, Shota was still eager to join, forming a team with his childhood friend and a junior volunteer. With over 500 schools all over the country, only 18 schools would be chosen to participate in the event. Competitors fight to capture the beauty of Japan and the human spirit."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Natsuki Kasa is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. 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 Shashin Koshien Summer in 0.5 Seconds 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 2017, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Shashin Koshien Summer in 0.5 Seconds is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 117 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.