Is Tangerines on Cat Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2014)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2014, Tangerines on Cat represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Comedy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Tomohiro takes his fiance Machiko to his hometown of Aridagawa in Wakayama Prefecture to see his family. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of 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: "Tomohiro takes his fiance Machiko to his hometown of Aridagawa in Wakayama Prefecture to see his family.Tomohiro’s family includes three siblings. His younger brother Takeshi refuses to go to school. His older sister Yumi isn't interested in their family. Younger sister Sayaka has an inferiority complex and has a fear of dating. There's also Satomi who everybody calls Mama and she does all of the housework. Kayoko is called Kaka and she works as a snack bar manager. Narumi is called Haha and she is a high school teacher. Finally, there's their father Shoichiro better known as Chichi. It's an unusual family, but able to exist in harmony. Due to Machiko's appearance, the family becomes shaken."

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. Despite the inherent talent of Mei Kurokawa, the performance in Tangerines on Cat feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Akihiro Toda 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 106 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 Tangerines on Cat 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 Comedy, 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 4/10 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, Tangerines on Cat explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2014 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Akihiro Toda 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, Tangerines on Cat 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 Mei Kurokawa or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Tangerines on Cat is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.