The Outsider
Netflix | Release Date (Streaming): March 9, 2018
6.9
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 71 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
42
Mixed:
21
Negative:
8
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
9
jasharkowalskiMar 17, 2018
Yes, it is a cliche, but i don't regret watching bloody jakuza tale at all ! Jared acting tricks are working just fine in this flick which has a plot worth Tarantino's movie....one may even visualize what it would look like had Quentin madeYes, it is a cliche, but i don't regret watching bloody jakuza tale at all ! Jared acting tricks are working just fine in this flick which has a plot worth Tarantino's movie....one may even visualize what it would look like had Quentin made it, probably even more blood spilling and some limbs chopping...i bet Takeshi Kitano loves this flick so you should, too !… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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8
SD_ScottMar 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this film. It's not a masterpiece by any means but it's good movie. I enjoyed Leto's journey and mystery. The action was great. And the ending left me hungry for more...
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
Grizwald87Mar 17, 2018
I watched this movie before I read anything about it, thought it was great, and came online expecting to find out that many felt at least somewhat the same. I'm blown away, I can't remember the last time I've seen so many critics dumping on aI watched this movie before I read anything about it, thought it was great, and came online expecting to find out that many felt at least somewhat the same. I'm blown away, I can't remember the last time I've seen so many critics dumping on a perfectly good movie.

There has to be some ulterior motive, because this movie is average at the very worst, and I can't find a critic calling it better than horrendous. Maybe because it's Netflix? Maybe because the movie dares to imagine a white guy as something other than a cowboy or an astronaut? Not sure, but I think probably the latter: most of the reviews spend 85% of the column space complaining about whitewashing and misrepresenting the plot to make the movie sound racist and insensitive, which it's not.

Bottom line: this movie isn't the next Godfather, but it's really enjoyable and the acting is great. If you like crime/gangster movies you'll enjoy it.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
Sammy189Mar 19, 2018
Aggressively violent, slow paced 1954 Osaka, Japan. yakuza crime family's beef with noir flavour and heavy traditional ideals show that one man is extremely passionate about his family the less he says the more he knows but in turn, ends withAggressively violent, slow paced 1954 Osaka, Japan. yakuza crime family's beef with noir flavour and heavy traditional ideals show that one man is extremely passionate about his family the less he says the more he knows but in turn, ends with a m1911. great film… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
gq_foineMar 13, 2018
Disregard ALL the critics low score! They are absolutely ALL CLUELESS! This was a fantastic film! I 100% give this 10/10! I want a sequel! AND I WANT NETFLIX PLEASE FUND IT! I WILL PREPAY 5yrs for NETFLIX just for a SEQUEL!

Jared Leto isDisregard ALL the critics low score! They are absolutely ALL CLUELESS! This was a fantastic film! I 100% give this 10/10! I want a sequel! AND I WANT NETFLIX PLEASE FUND IT! I WILL PREPAY 5yrs for NETFLIX just for a SEQUEL!

Jared Leto is one of the BEST ACTORS! He did an amazing job in Blade Runner and now this movie. He is a superstar!!! Absolutely fantastic job! My wife and I both LOVED THE FILM!… Expand
5 of 6 users found this helpful51
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7
BananafishMar 15, 2018
This is an entertaining movie. It's not great, and lacks some nuance and sophistication. However, it's solidly acted, scripted, and provides entertainment. It takes place in 1954, in (an authentic looking) post-WW2 Japan , so there's no fancyThis is an entertaining movie. It's not great, and lacks some nuance and sophistication. However, it's solidly acted, scripted, and provides entertainment. It takes place in 1954, in (an authentic looking) post-WW2 Japan , so there's no fancy special effects or green screens needed. If you need wiz-bang non-stop action, this might not be the right movie. If you can get into a slow-moving but intense action flick, I would say give it a go. I enjoyed it.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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7
sayguhMar 10, 2018
Leto's character is a titch unrealistic but I enjoyed the film. It's a bit slow, so be prepared for that.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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10
Sythe_GMar 15, 2018
I took a chance on The Outsider in spite of my aversion to Jared Leto. I feel that he is a bad actor that has gotten by on his looks and name recognition. However, I have to admit that he was quite good in this film. The story is by no meansI took a chance on The Outsider in spite of my aversion to Jared Leto. I feel that he is a bad actor that has gotten by on his looks and name recognition. However, I have to admit that he was quite good in this film. The story is by no means Shakespearian, but it is competent and moves the movie along nicely. The pacing is great, some of the shots are a bit long, but it didn't bother me. The film's meat and potatoes is in it's portrayal of Japanese and Yakuza culture, and some graphic violence. The violence may turn some people off, but there are plenty like me that say the more the merrier. I think the critics are just being SJW meat puppets, and are probably feigning offense over the fact that the protagonist is a white man "appropriating" Japanese culture, or something along those idiotic lines.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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10
JonnyMentholMar 11, 2018
Don't listen to these "critics" who are banding together to bomb every Netflix OG movie now to save their precious cinema experience. While the Film is not a 10 or anything wholey revolutionary it certainly doesn't deserve those scores. It'sDon't listen to these "critics" who are banding together to bomb every Netflix OG movie now to save their precious cinema experience. While the Film is not a 10 or anything wholey revolutionary it certainly doesn't deserve those scores. It's solid film, well made and the acting is pretty superb especially from Leto. The visual and cinematography are also great. If you subscribe to Netflix you aren't loosing out on anything here and the movie is well worth your time, a very nice addition to the Netflix library. I'm almost sure to jump on films now that the critics bomb as it seems to be a scenario where they are bombing the good movies to use what little influence they still have to kill the big budget aspect of Netflix film development. Anything with a budget these days just gets slammed regardless of whether it is half decent or not, Bright being the perfect example.… Expand
8 of 12 users found this helpful84
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7
SolantusMar 11, 2018
This is a not a Great Movie yes. Bu not bad as critics say, Jared Letho make good job in his role. He is like born for cold killer roles.

İdea is good but not directed very well.Specially shootings, Scenes are not in a harmony. But in theThis is a not a Great Movie yes. Bu not bad as critics say, Jared Letho make good job in his role. He is like born for cold killer roles.

İdea is good but not directed very well.Specially shootings, Scenes are not in a harmony. But in the end you can watch the all movie beginning to end. And it is not bother you so much.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
mitchhahn117Mar 15, 2018
A really good movie. Don't listen to the critics. Movies like this can put Hollywood out of business.
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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10
principessaMar 10, 2018
I know why this movie got such horrible reviews. The central theme of the movie is HONOR. It's not a concept that is readily taught in most families nor societies nowadays. I, however, am happy to be a part of the small minority thatI know why this movie got such horrible reviews. The central theme of the movie is HONOR. It's not a concept that is readily taught in most families nor societies nowadays. I, however, am happy to be a part of the small minority that understands the concept and LOVED the movie. Where can I find a guy like Nick?… Expand
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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10
arkhlongstrideMar 16, 2018
I have no idea how the **** the critics gave scores so low. While outsider is not a masterpiece, is a ******** awesome movie about Yakuzas. It has Yakuza (the game series) vibes everywhere. Is literally like watching a sub story of yakuzaI have no idea how the **** the critics gave scores so low. While outsider is not a masterpiece, is a ******** awesome movie about Yakuzas. It has Yakuza (the game series) vibes everywhere. Is literally like watching a sub story of yakuza games whit new characters and an awesome Leto's. 1950 japan is also perfectly reproducted, maybe thats the best part. A gaijin in a 1950 Yakuza war story, **** yeah Netflix, give me more!… Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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7
FranbarrmanMar 9, 2018
La película empieza muy bien pero a medida que avanza va en picada hacia abajo, no estoy diciendo que sea mala de verdad la disfrute solo que los últimos 30 min casi todo se siente mal. Excelentes tomas, muy bien los actores asiáticos peroLa película empieza muy bien pero a medida que avanza va en picada hacia abajo, no estoy diciendo que sea mala de verdad la disfrute solo que los últimos 30 min casi todo se siente mal. Excelentes tomas, muy bien los actores asiáticos pero jared me quedo debiendo un poco no supo transmitir esa frialdad que (por ejemplo ryan gosling transmite en blade runner y drive).… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
qwerty8883Mar 25, 2018
A cult classic. Some will hate it because they have an iq under 13 and the attention span of a disabled goldfish and others will appreciate it for what it is. The Reviewers missed the mark massively on this one and its a great film. check it out
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
CentueMar 29, 2018
Do not listen to the “professional” critics. This is an amazing film. It does what a good film is supposed to do: show you who people are and make you immerse yourself in their story instead of beating you over the head with painful dialogue.Do not listen to the “professional” critics. This is an amazing film. It does what a good film is supposed to do: show you who people are and make you immerse yourself in their story instead of beating you over the head with painful dialogue. This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in the past year. Better than most major Hollywood blockbusters. That’s probably why the industry doesn’t like it because great films like this that release on Netflix are putting Hollywood out of business. Major props to Jared Leto who absolutely nails this role. He is visceral, violent, loyal, and fearsome all wrapped up into one totally believable package. This movie was very intense from start to finish and leaves you feeling like you just experienced this wild journey right alongside the characters. This is a must watch.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
sharp_katanaMar 30, 2018
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "The Outsider" is great. Not perfect, not without problems and certainly not the only history lesson you should take if you are interested in Japan and Yakuza.
But it does not deserve that harsh judgement that you can find by almost every "professional" critic. To me it almost seems like the critics rate it bad just because it is a Netflix movie.

"The Outsider" is a violent film depicting a more or less traditional organized crime story. If you are not into this, I would not recommend watching it, but that does not make it a bad film, just a matter of taste.
It builds up quite some tension in the beginning and the rather silent attitude of Nick Lowell (characterized by Jared Leto) induces a thrilling experience.
As a character he appears as a person that adapts quickly to his current situation. We never learn how he actually feels about it and you might call this a shallow character, but similar to film noirs he is doing what needs to be done and leaves its judgement to the watcher.
I totally agree that his late rise in the very last scene destroys a lot of what the movie could have been. But the plot does in no way necessarily lead to this ending. Just skip the last 30s or so.
There was a lot of criticism that this story looks like a white savior story. But then again, no. It sure has similarities with "The Last Samurai" from 2003, but in some ways it is more honest. The last scene left aside, I would not have thought that the motive of a white Yakuzi saving his clan was the main idea behind it.

Actually, his importance for the main happenings in the film is another one. He is not influencing the actions of the Shiromatsu Yakuza clan in any way, but rather follows their concepts and adapts (admittingly a bit too well) to their traditions (literally as their "white dog"). By being accepted in the clan he pisses off another member which leads to a fatal showdown. There is no importance there in he being white other than that western people might not watch this movie as easily as when it exclusively had Japanese actors.

What we see in this movie is a clash of an established and an uprising Yakuza clan. The former follows the old traditions and Nick appears as the only attempt to allow a foreigner into this world as long as he abides by their rules. The other clan has more modern concepts seemingly influenced by political and economical changes after WWII. Who wins it in the end? We do not know. While American influence seems to have changed the structures of organized crime in Japan, we see that traditional Japanese ways (at least what the Western world associates with it) still have worth even for the rivalling clan and Western people can adopt them for good.
It would be really interesting to listen to the opinions of Japanese critics. There is a resemblance to "The Last Samurai", but it is definitely less "Disney" and its main character is way less important. So maybe this movie never intended to send a strong message at all. Maybe it just wants to be dark movie for entertainment. And I think it is doing this very well.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
snufkinFeb 24, 2020
very heavy and slow progression of the story line. most of the time jared's character is more a "viewer from the side" then a full on characters like the rest. but definitely interesting movie. very good actors. not the best but for those whovery heavy and slow progression of the story line. most of the time jared's character is more a "viewer from the side" then a full on characters like the rest. but definitely interesting movie. very good actors. not the best but for those who like japan yakuza and 50's not bad to pass the night. my thought on jared's acting though that if he was taking this character and use it as the "joker" that would be very unique and interesting. think about it after you'll see the movie… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
mak3nsh1May 24, 2018
Legitimately, this movie is not a 10. This movie does give the same style pacing as The Godfather trilogy. I've read several reviews by "critics" that if grading any installment of The Godfather today, would grade it less than mediocre.Legitimately, this movie is not a 10. This movie does give the same style pacing as The Godfather trilogy. I've read several reviews by "critics" that if grading any installment of The Godfather today, would grade it less than mediocre. Leto is on the outside looking in, obviously. He doesn't change his style at all, which is refreshing considering most crime dramas focus on the change of semi-sweet and lovable into the ruthlessness. The near accuracy of the culture at the time is also refreshing. Anyone saying no Caucasian would be welcomed into the yakuza, especially then, has no knowledge of the yakuza, then or now.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
angelo81Aug 27, 2019
A solid movie, with a slow tempo, it has a calm atmosphere as if every scene was ready to turn into a storm. Leto makes a great performance.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
LuckyGeniusSep 30, 2020
This is my first ever review of a movie on Metacritic or anywhere else really. I actually created an account just so I can tell you that all the so called critics that are bashing this film are deluded. Yes it may not be revolutionary howeverThis is my first ever review of a movie on Metacritic or anywhere else really. I actually created an account just so I can tell you that all the so called critics that are bashing this film are deluded. Yes it may not be revolutionary however it was a very enjoyable film with great cinematic shots, a good lead by Jeto, and a really interesting story with a great choice of time period to make a Yakuza movie in. I would really reccommend that you watch this film, out of 10 I would give it a solid 8.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
joerirDec 16, 2020
Good movie with good acting from Jared Leto, story is good although the critics burn this movie to the ground
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
SavioericApr 18, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. O filme se passa no Japão, como protagonista principal Nick(Jared leto) que acaba aceitando a proposta de entrar na Yakuza e assim vai se desenvolvendo a história… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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