Is Happy Ending Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Fantasy, Drama cinema, the 2022 release of Happy Ending stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Kirihara's life was full of lies and loneliness. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Fantasy, Drama 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: "Kirihara's life was full of lies and loneliness. He was a picture book writer with a brilliant past that his first book hit a bestseller, but one day allegations of plagiarism of his first book emerged. The truth of the case was about to be revealed by a reporter who relentlessly chased after him. Around that time, he reunited with his mother, who had abandoned himself at an early age, but she was hospitalized unconscious. Despaired by his life, Kirihara jumps off the roof of the building and tries to commit suicide without improving his divorced relationship with his wife and son. A girl appears there to help him. The moment he thought "Who?!", Kirihara became the girl! Kirihara, who became the girl, witnesses him falling. Immediately after that, something even more mysterious happens. The time was back five days ago. This is how the mysterious five days of "Two Kirihara", a girl and a picture book writer, begins..."

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 Hideyuki Inoue 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 Akira Iwamatsu 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 113 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 Happy Ending 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 Fantasy, Drama, 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, Happy Ending explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2022 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Akira Iwamatsu 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, Happy Ending 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 Hideyuki Inoue or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Happy Ending is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.