Is Willful Murder Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Willful Murder is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 132 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Willful Murder Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1981, Willful Murder emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The president of the Japanese National Railways is found dead during a period in which train service is plagued by numerous layoffs, strikes and shutdowns. Unlike standard genre fare, Willful Murder attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Willful Murder features a noteworthy lineup led by Tatsuya Nakadai . Supported by the likes of Ichirō Nakatani and Isao Hashimoto , 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 Willful Murder (1981) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Willful Murder Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Willful Murder is a Drama 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.
Willful Murder Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Willful Murder resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for 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 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Willful Murder reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Willful 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
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Willful Murder
- Tatsuya Nakadai – Yashiro
- Ichirō Nakatani – Toyama
- Isao Hashimoto – Ono
- Akio Miyabe –
- Yōko Asaji –
Top Highlights
Tatsuya NakadaiYashiro
Ichirō NakataniToyama
Isao HashimotoOno
Akio Miyabe
Yōko Asaji
Shinji Ogawa
Koji YakushoJournalist
Jiro Kawarazaki
Kei Yamamoto
Shogen Nitta
Where to Watch Willful Murder Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Nihon Eiga Net Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Willful Murder has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, Willful Murder stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Willful Murder movie hit or flop?
Willful Murder is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is Willful Murder worth watching?
Yes, Willful Murder is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Willful Murder online?
Willful Murder is currently available for streaming on Nihon Eiga Net Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Nihon Eiga Net Amazon Channel depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Willful Murder
How Willful Murder Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Willful Murder
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.
