Is Under the Open Sky Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Under the Open Sky, a standout production of 2021, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Crime, Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Mikami, an ex-yakuza of middle age with most of his life in prison, gets released after serving 13 years of sentence for murder. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Crime, Drama 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: "Mikami, an ex-yakuza of middle age with most of his life in prison, gets released after serving 13 years of sentence for murder. Hoping to find his long lost mother, from whom he was separated as a child, he applies for a TV show and meets a young TV director Tsunoda. Meanwhile, he struggles to get a proper job and fit into society. His impulsive, adamant nature and ingrained beliefs cause friction in his relationship with Tsunoda and those who want to help him."

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 Koji Yakusho, whose portrayal of the protagonist is imbued with a depth and vulnerability that is rare in contemporary Crime. The chemistry with the supporting players is palpable, creating a gravity that pulls the viewer into the screen.

The direction by Miwa Nishikawa 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 126 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 Under the Open Sky 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 Crime, Drama, 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 7.7/10 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, Under the Open Sky explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Miwa Nishikawa 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, Under the Open Sky 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 Koji Yakusho or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Under the Open Sky is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.