Is The Man Who Was There Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama, Crime cinema, the 2020 release of The Man Who Was There stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A woman named Saki is discovered covered in blood and sat next to the body of an actor in the elevator hall of a condominium. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, 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: "A woman named Saki is discovered covered in blood and sat next to the body of an actor in the elevator hall of a condominium. She smokes a cigarette and seems stunned. The film takes audiences back two years in the past, a time when Saki, a staff member on a film, met the actor, Sho, on set and fell in love. He used her badly and had another woman on the side and so Saki reveals how strong her love is and the event occurs that night we first meet her. A short film directed by Shinzo Katayama, whose debut feature film Siblings of the Cape attracted and was screened in different countries. He also has a credit as an AD on Bong Joon-Ho’s mystery-thriller film Mother and Nobuhiro Yamatshita’s The Drudgery Train. The script is by Yukiko Sode who is responsible for Good Stripes and Aristocrats."

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. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Yaeko Kiyose ensure that the emotional beats of The Man Who Was There always land with sufficient weight. Yaeko Kiyose provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Shinzo Katayama 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 34 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 Man Who Was There 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, 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 6.7/10 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 Man Who Was There explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Shinzo Katayama 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 Man Who Was There 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 Yaeko Kiyose or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Man Who Was There is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.