Is Mario Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2018, Mario represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Science Fiction, Drama, Action category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into It's the year 2023. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Science Fiction, Drama, Action 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: "It's the year 2023. The development of artificial intelligence has come a long way in recent years. When a policeman gets seriously injured and won't be able to recover his consciousness, a scientist decides to implant an artificial intelligence called "Mario" inside his brain. The final command for this newborn man: Be free. When he sets out on his little journey to understand the concept of being free, being human, he meets the 16 year-old son of the scientist who is about to take his own life... The two of them form a precious bond."

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 Hidetoshi Nishijima 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 Tomohiro Maekawa 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 89 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 Mario 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 Science Fiction, Drama, Action, 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, Mario explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2018 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Tomohiro Maekawa 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, Mario 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 Hidetoshi Nishijima or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Mario is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.