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Crime drama

Under the Open Sky (2025): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Under the Open Sky (2025) movie poster

Under the Open Sky is a 2025 crime drama starring Kôji Yakusho as Masao Mikami, Hakury and Masami Nagasawa. It runs 2 hours 6 minutes. IMDb users rate it 5.7/10.

IMDb rating
5.7/10
Echo Score
78
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Under the Open Sky (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 6m (126 min)
Genres
Crime , Drama
Original language
Japanese
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Under the Open Sky About?

The premise of Under the Open Sky without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

After serving thirteen years in prison, a man seeks out the mother who left him as a child. Now free, he must confront his past as a Yakuza while navigating the challenges of adjusting to life outside of prison.

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Cast & crew

Under the Open Sky Cast & Characters

Kôji Yakusho leads the cast as Masao Mikami, with Hakury as Akimasa Shimoinaba and Masami Nagasawa as Yoshizawa.

Also Starring in Under the Open Sky

· 3 more
Ratings

Under the Open Sky Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Under the Open Sky 5.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (65).

78 /100

Under the Open Sky Echo Score Breakdown

In terms of overall impact, Under the Open Sky shines through its emotionally rich portrayal but shows occasional lapses in visual cohesion and pacing. Reviews highlight a compassionate directorial approach and nuanced character work that bring depth to an outsider’s journey, while some find the execution overly sentimental and the color palette too subdued. The narrative’s themes of societal reintegration resonate strongly despite moments of naive storytelling. Ultimately, the film leaves a lasting impression through its heartfelt core, even as formal elements vary in effectiveness.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    Art & Craft is marked by thoughtful framing and empathetic direction but is sometimes undermined by an understated color palette. The cinematography delivers moments of visual clarity and intimacy, yet the production design leans toward a muted, pastel aesthetic that some found overly soft. Overall, the visual execution supports the story without consistently commanding attention.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    Character & Emotion is notable for layered portrayals that convey empathy and internal conflict. Performances deliver a genuine sense of isolation and the struggle for acceptance, illustrating the protagonist’s vulnerability. Emotional stakes are heightened by subtle chemistry and expressive nuance. In sum, the film’s character work forms its most compelling asset.

  • Story & Flow 82

    Story & Flow presents a heartfelt narrative of social reintegration enriched by themes of judgment and compassion. The plot unfolds with a deliberate pace that deepens emotional resonance, though occasional sentimentality and moments of naive plotting can interrupt momentum. Originality emerges in the film’s societal critique and humane perspective. Overall, the story engages through its moral depth despite uneven pacing.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    Sensory Experience offers a restrained sonic palette and measured sound design that support the film’s intimate tone. The visual style employs a subdued aesthetic, with commendable moments of clarity but lacking dynamic flair. The score underlines emotional beats effectively, though it rarely commands focus. Overall, the sensory elements enhance the narrative without making a distinct impression.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Rewatch Factor is moderate, driven by the film’s thematic depth and emotional resonance. Viewers may return to explore its societal critique and nuanced performances, yet the subdued visual style and steady pacing offer fewer discoveries on repeated viewings. Ultimately, the film retains appeal for its humanistic insights, though it does not strongly invite multiple revisits.

Plot

Under the Open Sky Plot Summary

What happens in Under the Open Sky from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Masao Mikami, a middle-aged former yakuza, finds himself trying to navigate an unpredictable world outside the prison walls after serving a staggering 13 years for murder. His quest for redemption begins when he decides to send his inmate files along with his personal details to a television company, hoping that they can assist him in locating his long-lost mother. In this pursuit, he encounters a young TV director named Tsunoda, who takes a keen interest in Mikami’s past and starts to scrutinize the contents of his files.

Full summary

The whole story of Under the Open Sky, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Under the Open Sky?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

How many years did Masao Mikami spend in prison for murder?

Seen Under the Open Sky?

FAQ

Under the Open Sky FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Under the Open Sky, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Under the Open Sky?

Under the Open Sky runs 2 hours 6 minutes (126 minutes).

When was Under the Open Sky released?

Under the Open Sky was released on January 10, 2025.

Who is in the cast of Under the Open Sky?

Under the Open Sky stars Kôji Yakusho as Masao Mikami, Hakury as Akimasa Shimoinaba and Masami Nagasawa as Yoshizawa, among 7 credited actors.

How is Under the Open Sky rated?

Under the Open Sky has 5.7/10 on IMDb.

Does Under the Open Sky have a post-credit scene?

No. Under the Open Sky has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Under the Open Sky in?

The original language of Under the Open Sky is Japanese.

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