Is Once in a Blue Moon Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2011)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2011, Once in a Blue Moon represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Mystery, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Defence lawyer Emi is assigned to a particularly unusual case: a man is suspected of murdering his wealthy wife, and his only alibi is a 421-year old ghost, Rokubei. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Mystery, Comedy, Drama, 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: "Defence lawyer Emi is assigned to a particularly unusual case: a man is suspected of murdering his wealthy wife, and his only alibi is a 421-year old ghost, Rokubei. At first Emi is hesitant, but when she pursues her lead she is visited by the ghost herself. And so the fun begins in the courtroom when Prosecutor Osano starts to cross examine."

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 performance by Eri Fukatsu is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Eri Fukatsu captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Koki Mitani 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 142 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 Once in a Blue Moon 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, Comedy, Drama, 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 transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 7.2/10 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, Once in a Blue Moon explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2011 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Koki Mitani 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, Once in a Blue Moon 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 Eri Fukatsu or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Once in a Blue Moon is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.