Is Lesson in Murder Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2022, Lesson in Murder represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Mystery, Drama, Crime category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Masaya is a university student, but he attends a school that's not his ideal school. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Mystery, Drama, Crime 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: "Masaya is a university student, but he attends a school that's not his ideal school. His days are generally gloomy. One day, he receives a letter from serial killer Haimura. He was convicted for nine murders and received the death penalty. Back when Haimura was committing his murders, he ran a bakery store. At that time, Masaya was a middle-school student and a customer at his bakery store. According to the letter, Haimura confesses to having committed eight murders, but he insists that he did not commit the last murder. Masaya begins to investigate the last murder case involving Haimura."

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. Audiences are treated to a masterclass in acting by Sadawo Abe, whose portrayal of the protagonist is imbued with a depth and vulnerability that is rare in contemporary Mystery. The chemistry with the supporting players is palpable, creating a gravity that pulls the viewer into the screen.

The direction by Kazuya Shiraishi is marked by a steady and professional hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 128 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 Lesson in Murder 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 Mystery, Drama, Crime, then this is a mandatory viewing experience—a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 7.5/10 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, Lesson in Murder explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2022 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Kazuya Shiraishi 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, Lesson in Murder is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Sadawo Abe or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Lesson in Murder is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.