Is Tales of the Bizarre: 2021 Summer Special Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Tales of the Bizarre: 2021 Summer Special (2021), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama, Fantasy. 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. "An omnibus special comprised of four segments: >> Story 1: "Ato 15 Byo de Shinu" (あと15秒で死ぬ) Pharmacist Mikami Megumi, working late, finds herself frozen in time with a bullet suspended in front of her. >> Story 2: "Sanzunokawa Outlet Park" (三途の川アウトレットパーク) Kimura Takashi wakes up near the Sanzu River, a place where he can earn "virtue" based on his past deeds. >> Story 3: "Deja Vu" (デジャヴ) Hikari experiences repeated déjà vu moments on her birthday, including encounters with a mysterious masked man. >> Story 4: "Naru" (成る) Famous Go player Iwaya Kentaro faces an AI opponent named "Nuisance" that triggers traumatic memories with its moves."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Moka Kamishiraishi does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. 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 Tales of the Bizarre: 2021 Summer Special worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Fantasy 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, Tales of the Bizarre: 2021 Summer Special is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 107 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.