Is Cure Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Cure is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 112 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Cure Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1997, Cure emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Thriller, Horror, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A detective starts spiraling out of control when a wave of gruesome murders with seemingly similar bizarre circumstances is sweeping Tokyo. Unlike standard genre fare, Cure attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Cure features a noteworthy lineup led by Koji Yakusho . Supported by the likes of Masato Hagiwara and Tsuyoshi Ujiki , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Cure (1997) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.5/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Cure Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Cure is a Crime, Thriller, Horror, Mystery film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A detective starts spiraling out of control when a wave of gruesome murders with seemingly similar bizarre circumstances is sweeping Tokyo. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Cure Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Cure resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Cure demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Cure Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Cure incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, thriller, horror, mystery film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Cure successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Cure?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Crime cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre filmmaking
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Cure Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $234.8K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Cure Budget
The estimated production budget for Cure is $20.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Cure
- Koji Yakusho – Kenichi Takabe
- Masato Hagiwara – Kunio Mamiya
- Tsuyoshi Ujiki – Makoto Sakuma
- Anna Nakagawa – Fumie Takabe
- Yukijiro Hotaru – Ichiro Kuwano
Top Highlights
Koji YakushoKenichi Takabe
Masato HagiwaraKunio Mamiya
Tsuyoshi UjikiMakoto Sakuma
Anna NakagawaFumie Takabe
Yukijiro HotaruIchiro Kuwano
Yoriko DoguchiDr. Akiko Miyajima
DendenOIda
Ren OsugiFujiwara
Masahiro TodaTôru Hanaoka
Misayo HarukiTomoko Hanaoka
Where to Watch Cure Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Cure is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.5/10, and global collection metrics, Cure stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cure movie hit or flop?
Cure is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.5/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Thriller, Horror movies.
Is Cure worth watching?
Yes, Cure is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Thriller, Horror cinema.
Where can I watch Cure online?
Cure is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel depending on your region.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
