Is The Tree of Love Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1938)

📖 The Core Premise

The Tree of Love stands as a 1938 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Romance, Drama landscape. 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. "A young doctor, Kozo Tsumura, falls for young nurse Katsue Takaishi. But she's got a secret: she's a widow with a son. Kozo and Katsue decide to run away to Kyoto, but her child suddenly became sick and she just missed the train and Kozo. She makes it to Kyoto finally, but is unable to meet him. Plus she isn't accepted into Kyoto society. She goes back to her hometown and tries to forget him. She quits the hospital to concentrate on her singing. She makes her professional debut with the hit "Aizen Katsura". Kozo is in the audience."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Kinuyo Tanaka 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 Romance. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Tree of Love worth your time? If you appreciate Romance, Drama 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 Tree of Love is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 89 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.