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The Outsider
2018 120 min United States of America R 18+
★5.2
Crime, Drama, Mystery
Director: Martin Zandvliet
Trailers
Description
A former American G.I. joins a yakuza family after his release from prison in post-World War II Osaka.
Starring
Jared Leto
Actor
Tadanobu Asano
Actor
Kippei Shîna
Actor
Key opinion
The Outsider is a polarizing crime drama that succeeds as an atmospheric, visually striking exploration of yakuza subculture but falters under the weight of a thin, predictable narrative. While some appreciate its meditative pace and commitment to cultural aesthetics, many critics and viewers find the protagonist underdeveloped and the plot derivative.
| Cinematography | The film excels in aesthetic craft, delivering beautiful cinematography and a highly immersive, atmospheric portrayal of post-war Japan. | |
| Acting | Jared Leto’s performance is polarizing; supporters praise his ability to anchor the film with a stoic, melancholic presence, while detractors find his character empty and devoid of necessary backstory. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is widely criticized for being thin, linear, and overly reliant on stereotypical tropes of Japanese crime cinema. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the pacing are split: some find the deliberate, contemplative tempo essential to the film's mood, while others feel the runtime is bloated and results in a tedious, slog-like experience. |