Is Song of the Beginning Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

📖 The Core Premise

Song of the Beginning returns to the screen in 2013, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, Romance genre. 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. "Wataru, a freelance cameraman who works for a travel magazine in Tokyo. He had aimed to be a teacher but failed to achieve his goal and left home to go to Tokyo. However, he does not do well in Tokyo and has to return to his hometown. Wataru reunites with his former girlfriend who is a primary school teacher now and through his interaction with his family, friends and a group of primary school students who want to take part in a choir contest, he begins to take steps to resurrect his dream of being a teacher."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Jun Matsumoto is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. 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 Song of the Beginning worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Romance films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2013, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Song of the Beginning is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 73 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.