Is Going West: to the West Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1997)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1997, Going West: to the West represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Sakuma Ryu, who runs a liquor store alone in downtown Tokyo, ends up living with his eldest son and his wife after a small fire breaks out. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema 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: "Sakuma Ryu, who runs a liquor store alone in downtown Tokyo, ends up living with his eldest son and his wife after a small fire breaks out. His sons are always there to help, but Ryu, who has stubbornly lived alone since her husband's death, feels uncomfortable there, and frequently visits his tea-drinking buddy Kinue to vent his frustrations. However, Kinue's sudden death and a postcard inspire Ryu to set off on a solo trip in her husband's beloved Mini Cooper. Her destination is Matsuyama in Shikoku, where she spent her childhood and where her first love, for whom she harbored a faint crush, still lives. The Mini Cooper speeds smoothly between Gifu and Kyoto. But when Shota and a young couple from the future join Ryu in the Mini Cooper, things start to look ominous..."

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. The presence of Chikage Awashima provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Kan Mukai 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 99 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 Going West: to the West 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 Modern Cinema, 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, Going West: to the West explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1997 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Kan Mukai 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, Going West: to the West 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 Chikage Awashima or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Going West: to the West is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.