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

69%

Popcornmeter

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

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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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Aluna U

The Third Murder explores a complex murder case through the eyes of legal professionals, questioning truth, justice, and the integrity of the system. While the film offers powerful performances and strong cinematography, its slow pacing and unresolved subplots may leave viewers with lingering questions. It ultimately highlights the immense responsibility legal authorities bear, as their choices can determine life or death. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/17/25

Full Review

Kevin L

"The Third Murder" is a quietly intense legal drama by the brilliant Hirokazu Kore-eda. Using his great skill and fitting subtlety, he's able to maneuveur his screenplay's story line to evoke the themes/ideas at work here. What are the first priorities of the legal system? Is it to ultimately serve the tenets of 'truth' and 'justice'? Is it to keep on the docket scheudle maintain one's reputation? Do empathy and compassion come into play for the lawyers? Or are they simply blank-faced figures working to win the case as it's handed to them? How much justice actually gets served with all the backroom machinations going on? It's a convoluted story. One with a defendant who changes his story more than once. Is he covering for s/one? For whom, and why? Was this a mercy killing, a grudge, or simply robbery ending in death? With appropriate pacing and deft use of images and dialogue that slowly unveils the painful and unfortunate truth(s), Kore-eda again shows why he's one of the finest writer/directors of his time. Strong performances by the leads and supporting players. Fukuyama, Hirose, and Yakusho are esp. good. Who decides who gets judged, indeed? 3.8 stars

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/09/25

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

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

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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