Is The Key Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Key is likely a skip if you enjoy movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Key Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1974, The Key emerges as a significant entry in the Cinema domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A college professor wants to bring the joys of sex to his frigid wife. Unlike standard genre fare, The Key attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Film is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Key features a noteworthy lineup led by Shigeko Ando . Supported by the likes of Yuki Aresa and Moeko Ezawa , 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 Key (1974) is negative. With an audience rating of 3.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Key Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Key is a 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 Key Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Key attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to narrative resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 central themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Key reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Key?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of The Key
- Shigeko Ando –
- Yuki Aresa – Ikuko
- Moeko Ezawa –
- Hideo Kanze –
- Yoshi Katō –
Top Highlights
Shigeko Ando
Yuki AresaIkuko
Moeko Ezawa
Hideo Kanze
Yoshi Katō
Kenzō Kawarasaki
Chigusa Takayama
Taiji Tonoyama
Tokuko Watanabe
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Key has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Key stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1974 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Key movie hit or flop?
The Key is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.3/10 and lower collections.
Is The Key worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.3/10, The Key may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Key online?
The Key may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Key
How The Key Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Key
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
