Is The Third Murder Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Third Murder is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 125 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Third Murder Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, The Third Murder emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Mystery, Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A lawyer tasked with defending a robbery-and-murder suspect begins developing doubts about what truly happened. Unlike standard genre fare, The Third Murder 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 Third Murder features a noteworthy lineup led by Masaharu Fukuyama . Supported by the likes of Koji Yakusho and Suzu Hirose , 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 Third Murder (2017) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Third Murder Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Third Murder is a Drama, Mystery, 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 Third Murder Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Third Murder concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 Third Murder reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Third Murder Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Third Murder incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, mystery, 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 Third Murder adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Third Murder?
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 Third Murder
- Masaharu Fukuyama – Tomoaki Shigemori
- Koji Yakusho – Takashi Misumi
- Suzu Hirose – Sakie Yamanaka
- Shinnosuke Mitsushima – Teru Kawashima
- Mikako Ichikawa – Itsuki Shinohara
Top Highlights
Masaharu FukuyamaTomoaki Shigemori
Koji YakushoTakashi Misumi
Suzu HiroseSakie Yamanaka
Shinnosuke MitsushimaTeru Kawashima
Mikako IchikawaItsuki Shinohara
Izumi MatsuokaAkiko Hattori
Aju MakitaYuka Shigemori
Tōru ShinagawaWatanabe
Toshie NegishiLandlady
Tsutomu TakahashiSakurai
Where to Watch The Third Murder Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MUBI
MUBI Amazon Channel
Film Movement Plus
Film Movement Plus Amazon 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
The Third Murder is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Third Murder stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Third Murder movie hit or flop?
The Third Murder has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Third Murder worth watching?
The Third Murder is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Mystery, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Third Murder online?
The Third Murder is currently available for streaming on MUBI. You can also check for it on platforms like MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel, Film Movement Plus, Film Movement Plus Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for The Third Murder
A very good courtroom procedural with a brilliantly complex performance from the always great Kōji Yakusho. Still, this is a major change of pace from Koreeda and I don't know that I'm a fan of the new style. He does familial drama best and I hope he returns to form on his next feature.
The Third Murder explores a complex murder case through the eyes of legal professionals, questioning truth, justice, and the integrity of the system. While the film offers powerful performances and strong cinematography, its slow pacing and unresolved subplots may leave viewers with lingering questions. It ultimately highlights the immense responsibility legal authorities bear, as their choices can determine life or death. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
