Is Intern Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Comedy, Fantasy cinema, the 2016 release of Intern stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Haruka Kawakura (Yuko Araki) is in the 3rd grade at a university. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Fantasy 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: "Haruka Kawakura (Yuko Araki) is in the 3rd grade at a university. She is about to be hit by a car, but she is saved by company CEO Masayuki Makino (Toru Kazama). Masayuki Makino wakes up in the intensive care unit at a hospital. There, a young man appears in front of Masayuki and introduces himself as the God of Death (Gaku Sano). The God of Death tells Masayuki that Haruka was supposed to die in an accident that day, but, since he saved her life, Masayuki’s fate has now changed. He will die soon. The God of Death tells him that the only way they can both survive is to change Haruka's future. If Haruka becomes a high achiever as an intern and joins the company, Masayuki and Haruka can both survive. Masayuki comes up with the idea of possessing the body of Haruka's friend Maki (Anri Okamoto) and helping Haruka become a successful intern."

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. In Intern, we see Yuko Araki utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Akio Yoshida 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 103 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 Intern 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, Fantasy, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6/10 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, Intern explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2016 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Akio Yoshida 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, Intern serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Yuko Araki or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Intern is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.