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entertainment

Should you watch end credits at the movies? Japanese celebrity’s comments spark fierce debate

39 Comments
By Katie Pask, SoraNews24

One of my earliest experiences of culture shock after moving to Japan was during my first trip to the movie theater. As the credits started rolling, I did what I expected everyone else would be doing — I stood up to leave, only to have my Japanese friend tug on my sleeve to make sit me back down. “It hasn’t finished yet,” she whispered, and as I looked around, every other person was still sat in their seats, eyes glued to the credits rolling up the screen.

It was only when the last of the credits faded away and the lights came up that everyone started gathering their things to leave, but that moment always stuck with me. Bear in mind that this was before the days where post-credit scenes were really a thing, too.

Ever since then, I’ve dutifully stayed sitting until the credits have finished in full (with the exception of the movie Cats, where my friend and I made a beeline to the exit the moment the movie ended).

I thought I was the only person who didn’t stay and watch movie credits, but it turns out I have an unexpected ally in legendary ’90s J-pop idol Ami Suzuki.

Suzuki recently made headlines after an appearance on TV panel show "Girl’s Barking Night." The show features a male host with a panel of female celebrity guests, and the topics discussed on the show usually provide a good opportunity for the guests to vent their feelings. Previous shows have featured divisive topics such as “people who don’t participate in group messages” or “people who wait until they reach the register to get money out of their purse”.

The topic discussed on the show that aired on May 4 was “Should you watch the credits of a movie until the end?” to which Suzuki boldly declared “Do we need to? The moment the movie ends, I’m like ‘I’m outta here!'”

Since the show aired, Suzuki’s comments have divided people into two factions — the "stay and watch the credits" group and the "leave immediately" group. The overwhelming majority of netizens seem to be in the "stay and watch the credits" group, however.

“Anyone who leaves before the credits finish isn’t a real movie fan.”

“Movie fans like to use the credits to think about important scenes from the movie they just watched. People standing up and talking is really rude and distracting.”

“I like the credits so I can see important facts, like where the movie was filmed.”

“If you leave early, you’re disrespecting the people who worked hard on the movie.”

“These days, so many movies have post-credits scenes, so you’re missing out.”

“When I watch a Hollywood movie, I always look for Japanese names in the credits. It’s fun.”

“People are free to do what they want, but I really disagree with Ami Suzuki asking ‘Do we need to?’ If she’d just said “I don’t watch them’, then it’d be fine.”

Seeing as Suzuki herself is in the entertainment industry and releases DVDs of her live concerts, some Twitter users remarked that her comments could suggest that there’s no need to watch the credits for things she appears in, insulting the people that have worked hard behind the scenes.

“It would be fine if a member of the public made these kinds of comments, but for someone in the entertainment industry? Has she no respect for the staff that work for her behind the camera?”

“It’d be like people leaving during the curtain call at her shows.”

The debate is still raging on, but one thing is clear — no matter what side of the fence you fall on, if you watch a movie in Japan, maybe stay sitting until the credits have finished, unless you wish to feel the wrath of your fellow moviegoers. And while you’re at it, try not to laugh loudly, either.

Source: Sponichi Annex via Hachima Kiko

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© SoraNews24

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

39 Comments
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I'm willing to negotiate. I'll stay politely and quietly seated throughout the ending credits (no matter how good or bad the feature film), if the advertising and previews before the feature -- both of which can be excessive and annoying to the point of actual harm -- are eliminated.

Perhaps while we are on topic, maybe the studios will be willing to open negotiations over compensation for the poor victims of some of their, let's say, more embarassing and cringe-worthy works . . .

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

I wholeheartedly support the Japanese custom of staying until the credits have finished! I have no problems with that at all and in fact, I encourage it.

This custom allows me to hit the toilet without waiting in a line plus exit the theater quickly unheeded.

18 ( +25 / -7 )

How about a debate "should you judge people about how they choose to enjoy things?"

16 ( +24 / -8 )

With over 2 hour run times of recent epics, it’s often a mad dash to the facilities before your bladder bursts.

15 ( +20 / -5 )

Most of the mid & post-credit scenes, zingers and teasers have become pointless and unfunny. The Marvel ones aren’t worth the sit-through anymore as Disney is just trying to sell you their third rate characters on their own upcoming streaming service shows.

11 ( +16 / -5 )

Burt Reynolds often paid tribute to the stunt men showing the setups. - Plus, the bloopers & gag reels with the other ‘actors’ in his ‘road’ comedies were always fun to watch. Everyone seemed to have a good time on set, considering they were getting paid for improvising scripts & storylines, for the most part while they were drunk, high or stoned.

12 ( +17 / -5 )

Jackie Chan’s often multiple, failed first attempts at a stunt in the movie were entertaining for the audience as a backdrop to the credits and tribute to all that contributed to the film. Can’t imagine the late-age arthritis and pains many Hong Kong actors and stunt people are now living with.

7 ( +13 / -6 )

I usually do. But I'm a severe narcissist and enjoy reading my own name.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

I'll stand up to leave my seat whenever I want.

18 ( +24 / -6 )

 Plus, the bloopers & gag reels with the other ‘actors’ in his ‘road’ comedies were always fun to watch. 

Yeah, I stay for those bloopers that are playing while the credits are rolling on the other side.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

They should place the end credits at the beginning of the movies with the pictures of the artists and others so that we can see them and understand how their efforts helped to create the movie. Not just the famous Actors.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

I think a better debate is should we eat popcorn, one of the noisyest foods, during movies lol

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

I can remember a time in the UK when at the end of the evening's show in a cinema not only would people sit through the credits but they would then stand whilst the national anthem was played.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Personal I can watch the credit. Especially the stuff at the beginning. Made by for on behaft financed by actors play write all that stuff made me stopping and evening watching them at home so I haven’t seen none since the Monty python’s series. No joke. So when I am in conversation with a westerns and they quote some famous movies line, it go over my head. For example, are you talking to me was first quoted to me, I look at the bloke and reply ha na not really, why ? Then He explain and I go ho yeah ok. I am quite happy with not using this type of media and have been for 40 years.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Sora News reporting a few tweets as a "fierce debate" again.

I'm a big fan of putting an unbroken white wall in a house for an easy home theatre, its really easy in a washitsu, but am ambivalent about movie credits. The most attention I pay to them is when I want to know what a song was.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

iradickleToday  09:00 am JST

 Plus, the bloopers & gag reels with the other ‘actors’ in his ‘road’ comedies were always fun to watch. 

Yeah, I stay for those bloopers that are playing while the credits are rolling on the other side.

I love to do that. They're hilarious. When I saw the remastered/remade/remodeled 50th anniversary release of 'Yellow Submarine' a few years ago, I read about how every frame was digitally retouched individually - hard work and a great job. When I saw the first 'Cars' film I stayed to catch the list of songs used in the film. And back in 1989, me and my brother-in-law saw 'Lethal Weapon 2' together (great film) and I wanted to hear the closing credits song (he wanted to exit so we did). No matter, I'd be hearing plenty of it during the summer and fall that year. It was 'Cheer Down' by George Harrison.

It can be quite interesting.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Should you watch end credits at the movies?

I’ll stay and watch, if there’s something extra in the credits, be it bloopers or teasers, if it’s says something on IMDB.

Otherwise, it’s a waste of time completely. Some of the credits roll for like 6-10 minutes.

Nobody has time for that. People got stuff to do.

If Japanese people or anyone wants to sit for nothing, let them be. They clearly enjoy reading names and titles. No judgments there.

Me? I gotta drain the mitsuya cider.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

The amount of time and effort and money that goes into making movies these days is not just a Hollywood thing;it’s an international effort across several continents with thousands of people involved – why not watch the credits once in awhile?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I usually wait until the credits finish rolling for a few reasons.

As mentioned a number of films have interesting "bits" after the credits like a hint of a sequel (as in the recent Batman) or goof ups in the filming etc.

Also many movies have interesting soundtracks these days and I want to see the list of artists, sometimes to buy or download later.

And I don't know about other cinemas, but in the 2 main ones I attend, the lighting is really dark and often not helped by a darkened screen for the credits. Makes walking down the steps from the back row an adventure - almost took a tumble last year.

Of course this all goes out the door quickly if nature is calling and a dash is required.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Just put a post-credit scene and that will make people stay in their seats through the end like Marvel films?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I like reading the "Trivia" section on IMDB after I watch a movie. There's often some interesting nuggets in there. If they sprinkled in some trivia about the movie throughout the credits, it would serve to reward both the moviegoers (to get some interesting and entertaining facts) and the filmmakers (for having their names seen by the audience who is now paying closer attention to the credits).

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Outside of some pressing time constraint (like last train approaching) I will generally stay through and watch the credits. Personally I just feel like giving the workers the acknowledgement for their work.

I don't begrudge anybody who doesn't stay, it isn't like the workers themselves will know if people did or not.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Another non sense article about Japan. I am from a country in Europe and it’s normal and very common to watch the credits even more when people liked the movie. People just don’t jump out of their sit once the movie finished. This is not specific to Japan nor it constitutes a cultural shock whatsoever. Stop to view the world as being either where you are from or Japan. This is just silly.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

“These days, so many movies have post-credits scenes, so you’re missing out.”

Not just these days; but this was the main reason Japanese hung around, because sometimes there was a "surprise".

“When I watch a Hollywood movie, I always look for Japanese names in the credits. It’s fun.”

Probably the second most popular reason; but stick around and have fun pointing out to your Japanese companion the far more numerous Chinese names in the credits.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

It’s all on YouTube. So go, it really doesn’t matter. It’s not such a life changing decision.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Let Japanese do what they want to and you do what you want to. How did this even become a debate? It's your own choice.

Btw, South Indians whistling in the beginning and in the end credits are hilarious.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

It’s mostly something like showing respect, good manners or getting some information about the people involved, music titles and so on. Just bring it at the beginning of the movie and the discussion ends. Another idea could be to bring it during the movie shortly before the highlights or action culminating. You wouldn’t complain because every movie on TV is interrupted even several times for bringing stupid unrelated commercials, or would you?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If you want to stay, do. If you want to leave, do. For what ever reason it is your choice.

Personally I have no need or interest in knowing who styled the poodles hair or what ever. Just as I don’t need to know the names of the people in the factory making the box of biscuits I buy from the supermarket.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Before going to see a film, I check to see if there are any post credit scenes. And if there aren't any. I am out of there once the credits start rolling and I couldn't care less if anyone has an 'issue' with that.

Time is precious and myself and the people that I went with, can talk about the film over a few drinks.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Suzuki Ami and should go on a movie date. If I don't think they're going to be any blooper scenes or whatever, then I split once the movie's over.

I don't need to sit for another five minutes pretending to be able to read the five thousand names that scroll through at a hundred miles an hour.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

If you do not know the name of the movie, because you saw it late,the last credit ,I watch ,was a movie called Belly

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

“Anyone who leaves before the credits finish isn’t a real movie fan.”

Not true. In fact, I'd argue anyone who likes Marvel movies and 99% of Japanese films is not a "real movie fan", just as examples, and you'd get the same argument from any legit film student and/or person who appreciates art over fluff. There is no reason to stay and watch the credits if the movie was a heaping bowl of dog doo (though why you went to see it is a good question), and there CERTAINLY is no reason to do it just because you're nervous about getting up because the guy beside you isn't. You want to waste your time in most cases and stay, fine, do so, but it is not a show of respect or class when you simply feel it's an obligation any more than standing up for an anthem or to salute a flag is "respect" when you'll be arrested if you don't.

I don't even stay for most credit sequences even when I know there is a teaser or clip at the end critical to a series. If it is, in my opinion, truly a good movie, I will stay and watch the credits to the end (assuming I don't have to rush for the train if it's the late show).

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

SpeedMay 10  08:26 pm JST

Suzuki Ami and should go on a movie date. If I don't think they're going to be any blooper scenes or whatever, then I split once the movie's over.

I don't need to sit for another five minutes pretending to be able to read the five thousand names that scroll through at a hundred miles an hour.

It sometimes pays to. A long time ago I took my GF to see a midnight matinee of 'Pink Floyd: The Wall'. We stayed watching the closing credits and to our surprise there was a credit for the vocalist who sang a very old ditty at the very beginning of the film (before the rock soundtrack kicks in). The singer was Toni Tenille.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

“When I watch a Hollywood movie, I always look for Japanese names in the credits. It’s fun.”

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. I play a game of holding my breath until I see a Japanese name come up. It's weird, I know. I also look out for my own name and the same names of people I know.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I remember when I went to the movies with some Japanese and they and the audience sat while the credits were rolling on. It didn't make any sense to me, but it seems that for the Japanese going out to the movies is more of an event than it is for Western audiences, so that's kind of cool. They're just more into it.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I took it for granted that I would see the movie through to the end. I'm a little uncomfortable standing up when the end roll is playing. But I guess I watch to the end because there's usually a little movie after the end roll. I like to watch that because it makes me feel a little special. I also like to watch the making of the movie, and if there's a song I'm interested in, I'll watch it all the way through to check it out. When the cinema lights up, I feel like I've finally finished watching the movie. But I don't think that people who watch a movie until the end are true fans. For example, if there is a celebrity whom I love and I spend all my money on him, I don't think he is a real fan. If you consider yourself a fan of something, that's enough to be a fan. If you don't watch a movie all the way through, just get out of there quietly.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Just check AfterCredits.com like with the Marvel MCU movies

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I am all for seeing a movie through to the end. The end roll of a movie writes the names of the actors in the movie and the director. I like to see that. It gives me a sense of appreciation for the work and knowing that so many people created the film. Also, music is played during the end roll. The end roll allows us to be immersed in the aftermath of the film as well as the emotion of the film. In addition, some movie may continue after the end roll. There are benefits to be gained by watching the movie to the end. Therefore, I am in favor of watching a movie until the end, and I think it is a good practice for the Japanese to do so.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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