RATING★ 6.4
WORTH IT? MAYBE
UNFAIR: the answer backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for UNFAIR: the answer.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is UNFAIR: the answer Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2011)

After detective Natsumi Yukihira brings an end to the police hospital terrorist case, Natsumi is transferred to the Nishimonbetsu Police Station in Hokkaido. Meanwhile, a series of grotesque murders occurs in downtown Tokyo involving nails placed in the body of the victims. The fingerprint of Natsumi's ex-husband, freelancer journalist Kazuo Sato, is found on the the body of a victim and Kazuo is placed on the most wanted list. Soon after, Kazuo finds Natsumi and hands her a USB memory stick. The device contains information on a secret organization within the police department. Kazuo tells Natsumi that the series of murders are warnings and suspects become the next victims. Natsumi is then arrested as a suspect. Tokyo prosecutor Katsuaki Murakami appears at the Nishimonbetsu Police Station to investigate.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Action, Thriller, Mystery cinema, then UNFAIR: the answer offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2011 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Action films
Fans of Thriller films
Fans of Mystery films

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

UNFAIR: the answer, a standout production of 2011, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Action, Thriller, Mystery landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into After detective Natsumi Yukihira brings an end to the police hospital terrorist case, Natsumi is transferred to the Nishimonbetsu Police Station in Hokkaido. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Action, Thriller, Mystery are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "After detective Natsumi Yukihira brings an end to the police hospital terrorist case, Natsumi is transferred to the Nishimonbetsu Police Station in Hokkaido. Meanwhile, a series of grotesque murders occurs in downtown Tokyo involving nails placed in the body of the victims. The fingerprint of Natsumi's ex-husband, freelancer journalist Kazuo Sato, is found on the the body of a victim and Kazuo is placed on the most wanted list. Soon after, Kazuo finds Natsumi and hands her a USB memory stick. The device contains information on a secret organization within the police department. Kazuo tells Natsumi that the series of murders are warnings and suspects become the next victims. Natsumi is then arrested as a suspect. Tokyo prosecutor Katsuaki Murakami appears at the Nishimonbetsu Police Station to investigate."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Ryoko Shinohara, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Action, Thriller, Mystery genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.

The direction by Shimako Sato is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 109 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is UNFAIR: the answer truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Action, Thriller, Mystery, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, UNFAIR: the answer explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2011 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Shimako Sato respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, UNFAIR: the answer serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Ryoko Shinohara or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, UNFAIR: the answer is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

109MIN

At approximately 1.8 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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