Is The Bird Is Calling Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2025)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama, Mystery, Horror cinema, the 2025 release of The Bird Is Calling stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Yuji and Yuriko's peaceful life shatters when an old diary belonging to Yuji's great-uncle Sadaichi, who died in the war, is discovered. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Mystery, Horror 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: "Yuji and Yuriko's peaceful life shatters when an old diary belonging to Yuji's great-uncle Sadaichi, who died in the war, is discovered. The pages are full of an obsession with life... and one strange phrase: "I want to devour the bird—Hikuidori." From that day on, eerie phenomena start to haunt those connected to the diary. As the nightmare deepens, a strong will to live—once buried with Sadaichi—begins to twist the past and bleed into reality."

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. Audiences are treated to a masterclass in acting by Koshi Mizukami, whose portrayal of the protagonist is imbued with a depth and vulnerability that is rare in contemporary Drama. The chemistry with the supporting players is palpable, creating a gravity that pulls the viewer into the screen.

The direction by Katsuhide Motoki 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 N/A 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 The Bird Is Calling 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, Mystery, Horror, 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 9.5/10 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, The Bird Is Calling explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2025 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Katsuhide Motoki 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, The Bird Is Calling 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 Koshi Mizukami or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Bird Is Calling is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.