Is The Name Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

📖 The Core Premise

The Name returns to the screen in 2018, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama 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. "Having failed with his business and gone absolutely penniless, Masao (45) divorced with his wife, and is currently leading a hopeless life in Ibaraki. One day, a mysterious high school girl, going by the name Emiko, showed up before Masao. Every now and then, Masao would be toyed around by Emiko, but little by little he started taking a liking to her loveliness. As days went by, Masao started opening up to Emiko – something that he rarely did to others. However, there was just something about Emiko – something that bothered Masao - that wouldn’t go away."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In The Name, Kanji Tsuda delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. 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 Name worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2018, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Name is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 114 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.