Is 目を閉じてギラギラ Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2011)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2011, 目を閉じてギラギラ represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Comedy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Nozomu Kizaki, a man who hates violence and has survived in the underworld by using “sermons” as a weapon. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Nozomu Kizaki, a man who hates violence and has survived in the underworld by using “sermons” as a weapon. He is also known as “Gandhi Kizaki” (Sho Aikawa). He has given up on the yakuza business, and in order to support those who are struggling to repay their debts, he teaches baseball to children while running the Hope Shokai, a money-lending business. One day, while on a collection mission, Kizaki discovers that one of the debtors is Gota Yagisawa (Takeshi Ayano), a prodigy pitcher who once made his name at the Koshien National Championships. Gota, who had never held a regular job and was mired in debt, is moved by Kizaki's “sermon” and decides to rebuild his life under his guidance. However, the shadow of the Kuroda clan, a yakuza organization, looms behind the pair..."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Show Aikawa does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Masanori Tominaga is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 127 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is 目を閉じてギラギラ truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, 目を閉じてギラギラ explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2011 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Masanori Tominaga respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, 目を閉じてギラギラ is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Show Aikawa or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, 目を閉じてギラギラ is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.