RATING★ 7.0
WORTH IT? YES
THE FABLE: The Killer Who Doesn't Kill backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for THE FABLE: The Killer Who Doesn't Kill.

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WORTH WATCHING: YES
Editorial Verified

Is THE FABLE: The Killer Who Doesn't Kill Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

Akira is the legendary killer known as the Fable. Following the order of his boss and due to being overworked, he lives peacefully with his partner, Yoko, as ordinary siblings. Akira still works part-time at design company Octopus with CEO Takoda and employee Misaki. CEO Takoda and Misaki are unaware of Akira's background as an assassin. Meanwhile, Utsubo is a representative for an NPO. But, Utsubo works with contract killer Suzuki to set people up for extortion purposes. They target someone at design company Octopus.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

YES, ABSOLUTELY

If you are a fan of Action, Comedy, Crime cinema, then THE FABLE: The Killer Who Doesn't Kill offers a fresh and engaging experience that justifies its existence in the 2021 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Action films
Fans of Comedy films
Fans of Crime films
Viewers seeking quality storytelling

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2021, THE FABLE: The Killer Who Doesn't Kill represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Action, Comedy, Crime category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Akira is the legendary killer known as the Fable. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Action, Comedy, Crime 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: "Akira is the legendary killer known as the Fable. Following the order of his boss and due to being overworked, he lives peacefully with his partner, Yoko, as ordinary siblings. Akira still works part-time at design company Octopus with CEO Takoda and employee Misaki. CEO Takoda and Misaki are unaware of Akira's background as an assassin. Meanwhile, Utsubo is a representative for an NPO. But, Utsubo works with contract killer Suzuki to set people up for extortion purposes. They target someone at design company Octopus."

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, Junichi Okada delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Action acting at its most potent.

The direction by Kan Eguchi 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 132 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 FABLE: The Killer Who Doesn't Kill 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 Action, Comedy, Crime, 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, THE FABLE: The Killer Who Doesn't Kill explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Kan Eguchi 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 FABLE: The Killer Who Doesn't Kill 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 Junichi Okada or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, THE FABLE: The Killer Who Doesn't Kill is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

132MIN

At approximately 2.2 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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