Is Something Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Something, a standout production of 2019, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama, Comedy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In the summer of 2001, Ryo Hagio, a high school student living in a country town by the sea, is spending his last summer vacation in high school with his classmates Manabu, Kosugi, and Hotta. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Comedy 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: "In the summer of 2001, Ryo Hagio, a high school student living in a country town by the sea, is spending his last summer vacation in high school with his classmates Manabu, Kosugi, and Hotta. One day, he meets Wang Jia-ling, a foreign exchange student from Taiwan who dreams of becoming a dolphin trainer. Ryo, who hates dolphins and the ocean, is at odds with Ling, but when he learns of her true feelings about coming to Japan, they begin to have a heart-to-heart talk..."

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

The direction by Keisuke Shibata 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 112 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 Something 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 Drama, Comedy, 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 7/10 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, Something explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Keisuke Shibata 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, Something 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 An Ogawa or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Something is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.