Is The Demon Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Demon is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Demon Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1978, The Demon emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When Sokichi stops providing his long-time lover Kikuyo enough money to pay for the care of their three young children, Kikuyo leaves the children with Sokichi - and his very surprised and angry wife Oume - and disappears. Unlike standard genre fare, The Demon attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Demon features a noteworthy lineup led by Ken Ogata . Supported by the likes of Shima Iwashita and Mayumi Ogawa , 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 The Demon (1978) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Demon Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Demon is a Drama, Crime film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Demon Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Demon concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Demon reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Demon Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Demon incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Demon adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Demon?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of The Demon
- Ken Ogata – Sokichi Takeshita
- Shima Iwashita – Oume
- Mayumi Ogawa – Kikuyo
- Hiroki Iwase – Riichi
- Miyuki Yoshizawa – Yoshiko
Top Highlights
Ken OgataSokichi Takeshita
Shima IwashitaOume
Mayumi OgawaKikuyo
Hiroki IwaseRiichi
Miyuki YoshizawaYoshiko
Jun IshiiShôichi
Jun HamamuraWelfare Official
Keizo KanieAkutsu
Yoshi KatōDoctor
Mizuho SuzukiDetective
Where to Watch The Demon Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
The Demon has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Crime), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Demon stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Demon movie hit or flop?
The Demon has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Demon worth watching?
The Demon is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Demon online?
The Demon 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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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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