Is The Smiling Man Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

📖 The Core Premise

The Smiling Man returns to the screen in 2020, bringing a fresh narrative to the TV Movie, Drama, Mystery 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. "Based on a novel of by Nukui Tokuro, Hohoemu Hito tells the story of Nito Toshimi who, after graduating from Japan’s most difficult university and founding a job at a major city bank, marries Shoko and have a daughter, Amina. Nito, while leading a life that looks like the picture of happiness and being the envy of everyone, is charged with the murder of his wife and young child. At his trial, he reveals a shocking motive for the crime: “I wanted space for books.”"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Tori Matsuzaka shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good TV Movie. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Smiling Man worth your time? If you appreciate TV Movie, Drama, Mystery films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Smiling Man is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 101 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.