Is The Exam Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Exam is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 114 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Exam Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1999, The Exam emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Togashi, an enthusiastic marathon runner and his wife are occupied with their daughter Mayumi's grade school entrance examinations, but he becomes jobless when his company folds. Unlike standard genre fare, The Exam 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 Exam features a noteworthy lineup led by Eikichi Yazawa . Supported by the likes of Yuko Tanaka and Ren Osugi , 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 Exam (1999) is negative. With an audience rating of NR, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Exam Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Exam is a Drama, Comedy 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 Exam Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Exam attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 Exam reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Exam?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Exam
- Eikichi Yazawa – Masumi Togashi
- Yuko Tanaka – ToshieTogashi
- Ren Osugi – Yoshimoto
- Natsumi Ohira – Mayumi Togashi
- Masahiko Nishimura –
Top Highlights
Eikichi YazawaMasumi Togashi
Yuko TanakaToshieTogashi
Ren OsugiYoshimoto
Natsumi OhiraMayumi Togashi
Masahiko Nishimura
Yuriko Hirooka
Hirotaro HondaShoichi Honda
Ittoku KishibeHeadmaster
Megumi Kobayashi
Masako Motai
Where to Watch The Exam Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Hulu
U-NEXT
Plus Shochiku Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesParents Guide & Age Rating
The Exam has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, The Exam stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1999 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Exam movie hit or flop?
The Exam is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is The Exam worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, The Exam may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Exam online?
The Exam is currently available for streaming on Hulu. You can also check for it on platforms like Hulu, U-NEXT, Plus Shochiku Amazon Channel depending on your region.
How The Exam Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Exam
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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.
