Is The Lickerish Stranger Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

The Lickerish Stranger, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Comedy, Horror landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Nagisa is living together with handsome college professor, Kotaro. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, 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: "Nagisa is living together with handsome college professor, Kotaro.However, lately Kotaro has been particularly violent towards Nagisa during sex, even going so far as to hurt her. One day, Etsuko, a woman claiming to be Kotaro’s sister, appears at their house.Etsuko asks to stay with them for a while, however Nagisa is not convinced that she is really his sister because she is so sloppy and unlike Kotaro. It also bothers her that the two often go off to talk in secret. Nagisa later finds out that Etsuko has been secretly watching her and Kotaro having sex while masturbating.She asks Kotaro to kick Etsuko out, but he refuses to listen, and Etsuko’s antics become more and more intense. Eventually, Nagisa finds out that she is pregnant. With this new development, Nagisa thinks that she can marry Kotaro and finally be able kick Etsuko out. Little does she know, this will be the beginning of her confinement…"

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 Miyuki Sakura, the performance in The Lickerish Stranger 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 Hirohisa Sasaki 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 70 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 Lickerish Stranger 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, Horror, 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 2/10 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 Lickerish Stranger explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Hirohisa Sasaki 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 Lickerish Stranger 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 Miyuki Sakura or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Lickerish Stranger is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.