A Janitor

Synopsis

A Janitor (original title: ある用務員) is a contemplative Japanese drama released in 2021 featuring Seiji Fukushi in the lead role. The film explores the quiet, often unnoticed life of a janitor working in a sprawling office building, delving into themes of loneliness, human connection, and the subtle complexities behind everyday routines. Through the janitor’s interactions with various office workers and his own introspective moments, the movie paints a poignant portrait of isolation and longing in modern society. With its minimalist storytelling and understated performances, the film invites viewers to reflect on the invisible lives around them and the small gestures that shape human experience.

Cast

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  Seiji Fukushi

  Fukumi

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  Haruka Imou

  Yui

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  Tomoya Maeno

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  Hannya

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  Wataru Ichinose

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  Takashi Kitadai

Reviews

A Janitor has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, reflected in its IMDb rating of 5.5/10. On IMDb, viewers have praised Seiji Fukushi's reserved yet compelling performance, highlighting the film's subtle emotional undercurrents. Critics have noted the film's slow pacing and minimalist narrative style, which some find meditative and thoughtfully contemplative, while others describe it as overly subdued and lacking dramatic tension. Rotten Tomatoes does not list the film officially, likely due to limited international release, but on niche Asian cinema review platforms, it has been commended for its authentic portrayal of everyday life and the nuanced depiction of the protagonist's inner world. However, some reviews point out that the film's sparse dialogue and muted plot progression might not appeal to viewers seeking more dynamic storytelling. Metacritic does not have aggregated scores for this film, but individual critic comments emphasize its contemplative aesthetics and subtle use of silence and space. Overall, A Janitor appeals mostly to an audience interested in quiet, character-driven dramas rather than conventional narrative cinema.