Is The Aftermath of War Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1967)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Aftermath of War (1967), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama, Crime, Action. 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. "After World War II life in Japan was hard. There was lawlessness, rapine, never enough food or money. One girl, raped by three men, called out the name of Kentaro before she died and this was something that people in this small section of downtown Tokyo remembered. Life went on, however, and local boss Hiramatsu Daizo decided to build a market, aided by his daughter Aya. They met opposition until one day a young man named Kentaro appears who it is rumored he was the vengeful lover of the murdered girl. He lives with Sabu and Yukari, the children the girl looked after before she died, and helps with the market, coming to the rescue with a bulldozer when Daizo is threatened by a rival group. When Daizo is finally killed, Kentaro carries on the work. Finally the market is completed, the rival group makes a last stand but is machine-gunned down by Kentaro who, after saying that he was not the one whose name the dying girl called out, leaves town for good."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In The Aftermath of War, even the presence of Tetsuya Watari 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 The Aftermath of War worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Crime, Action 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, The Aftermath of War misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 89 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.