Is Somehow, Crystal Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1981)

📖 The Core Premise

Somehow, Crystal stands as a 1981 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Drama 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. "While her boyfriend Jun'ichi is out of town, college student and part-time model Yuri passes the time in Tokyo by shopping for luxury products, visiting affluent neighborhoods, eating expensive food, and seeking new kinds of entertainment. At a dance club she meets Masataka, to whom she describes her relatively frictionless life as "crystal". Yuri has a sexual encounter with Masataka that she enjoys but finds less satisfying than her experiences with Jun'ichi. When Jun'ichi returns, Yuri learns that he also was unfaithful during his trip, but she reflects on her financial independence and decides that staying with Jun'ichi is the best fit for her crystal lifestyle. Adaptation novel by Yasuo Tanaka."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Somehow, Crystal, even the presence of Kazuko Kato struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Somehow, Crystal worth your time? If you appreciate Drama 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, Somehow, Crystal misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 82 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.