Is Song of the Beginning Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Song of the Beginning, a standout production of 2013, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama, Romance landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Wataru, a freelance cameraman who works for a travel magazine in Tokyo. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Romance 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: "Wataru, a freelance cameraman who works for a travel magazine in Tokyo. He had aimed to be a teacher but failed to achieve his goal and left home to go to Tokyo. However, he does not do well in Tokyo and has to return to his hometown. Wataru reunites with his former girlfriend who is a primary school teacher now and through his interaction with his family, friends and a group of primary school students who want to take part in a choir contest, he begins to take steps to resurrect his dream of being a teacher."

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. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Jun Matsumoto delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Drama acting at its most potent.

The direction by Tomochika Kasaura is marked by a bold and uncompromising 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 73 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 Song of the Beginning 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, Romance, 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 8/10 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, Song of the Beginning explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2013 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Tomochika Kasaura 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, Song of the Beginning 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 Jun Matsumoto or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Song of the Beginning is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.