The Third Murder

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1:34

The Third Murder

Released Jul 20, 2018

2h 5m

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

83 Reviews

68%

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250+ Ratings

Well-known attorney Shigemori takes on the defense of murder-robbery suspect Misumi, who served jail time for another murder 30 years ago. Shigemori's chances of winning the case seem low, as his client freely admits his guilt, even though he faces the death penalty if convicted. But as he digs deeper into the case, hearing the testimonies of the victim's family and Misumi himself, Shigemori begins to doubt whether his client is actually the murderer.

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Critics Consensus

The Third Murder makes satisfying work of its weighty themes, even if it doesn't quite stand with writer-director Hirokazu Koreeda's best efforts.

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Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

The film showcases Kore-eda's skillful sense of characterization and ethical inquiry, asking viewers to think long and hard about the meaning of justice.

Jan 17, 2019

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Adam Graham

Detroit News

"The Third Murder" features a handful of compelling performances, but winds up tied in knots.

Rated: C+

Oct 12, 2018

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Moira MacDonald

Seattle Times

Murder is endlessly fascinating, as the vast crime-fiction industry would indicate, and this one is no different.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 22, 2018

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Diana Tuova

Spotlight on Film

The quiet beauty of the picture can...be found in the slow unveiling of the truth.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 4, 2024

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

It is a slightly atypical work for Kore-eda, but in all honesty that just seems to make it more valuable.

Rated: 8/10

Dec 28, 2020

Full Review

Andrew Heskins

easternKicks.com

Hirokazu Kore-eda sidesteps the family dramas for a powerful courtroom drama starring Masaharu Fukuyama and Koji Yakusho...

Rated: 4/5

Sep 23, 2020

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Mark C

Captured my attention throughout, but during the last hour I had a dreading feeling that there will be no clear answer. And what do you know. One can infer and make up their own mind but I didn't love it.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

10/05/24

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acsdoug D

A bit ponderous, but there enough twists and turns to keep the story interesting.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/21/23

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hatsuhito s

真実をちゃんと確認しようとする人はいない、たとえ人が死んでいても。司法は法ではなく人であるということ。家族がいれば違っただろうし、お金がもっとあったら違う調査もできたかもしれない。司法制度、環境がおかしいから、おかしな日本の社会を正そうとする人もその中で死んでいく。

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

I've seen this three times. As a reader, I appreciate a film you can read, especially in this particular genre.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

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Audience Member

This is definitely a good whodunit! Nothing to do with "Knives Out" that is a poor parody of the genre. Intriguing plot, not predictable. Excellent performance of everybody, first of all the Director. Sober and elegant movie!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

Full Review

dave d

Hirokazu Koreeda is a filmmaker at the top of his profession, but despite making another film that's well acted and easy on he eyes, the great Koreeda can't connect the story from start to finish. In concept it's a good idea, but over time the film just doesn't go to the places you expect from the veteran writer and director. There's something missing. Koreeda tries to use tension and mystery to tell the story, however it never comes together. Final Score: 6.3/10

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Hirokazu Koreeda

Director

Masaharu Fukuyama

Shigemori

Kôji Yakusho

Misumi

Shinnosuke Mitsushima

Kawashima Akira

Mikako Ichikawa

Sasabara Itsuki

Izumi Matsuoka

Hattori Akiko

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The Third Murder: Trailer 1

1:34

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Synopsis

Well-known attorney Shigemori takes on the defense of murder-robbery suspect Misumi, who served jail time for another murder 30 years ago. Shigemori's chances of winning the case seem low, as his client freely admits his guilt, even though he faces the death penalty if convicted. But as he digs deeper into the case, hearing the testimonies of the victim's family and Misumi himself, Shigemori begins to doubt whether his client is actually the murderer.

Director: Hirokazu Koreeda
Screenwriter: Hirokazu Koreeda
Distributor: Film Movement
Production Co: Amuse Films
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 20, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 13, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $89.3K
Runtime: 2h 5m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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