Is Shining Boy Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1989)

📖 The Core Premise

Shining Boy stands as a 1989 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Romance 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. "Toshio and Masato live like a married couple and jointly run the gay bar "Crystal". One day, Toshio receives a letter asking him to live with his son, Shinji, who he hasn't seen for over 15 years since he broke up with his wife, and is moving from the countryside to Tokyo to enter a talent school."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Kenji Kogi attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Romance. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Shining Boy worth your time? If you appreciate Romance 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, Shining Boy misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 60 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.