Is Shinjuku Midnight Story: Man and Woman Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1972)

📖 The Core Premise

Shinjuku Midnight Story: Man and Woman stands as a 1972 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Comedy 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. "Kiyomi, a popular hostess at a bar in Shinjuku, has a traumatic childhood that makes her only sensitive to sexual intercourse with women. One day, the girl she loved as a junior hostess betrayed her and slept with her man. Uncomfortable with men, Kiyomi "swaps places" during sex with her new girlfriend, a trans woman Kaoru."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Hidemi Hara feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Shinjuku Midnight Story: Man and Woman worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy 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, Shinjuku Midnight Story: Man and Woman misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 67 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.