Coroner to the Stars (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

Doctor Thomas T. Noguchi spent decades as the Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner to the County of Los Angeles, where he encountered the deaths of countless individuals. Inevitably, he encountered the deaths of Hollywood stars as well. As he made his way into the spotlight, covering a series of high-profile cases, questions began to arise about Noguchi’s ability, as well as his intentions. Coroner to the Stars examines the career of Noguchi, as he regularly faced legal challenges at the hands of those that despised him. 

Coroner to the Stars begins powerfully, with the promise of an in-depth analysis of Dr. Noguchi’s time as the titular coroner to the stars. While it ultimately makes good on that promise, there is a lull almost immediately after that in which viewers are transported to a place that analyzes the role of racism present in the doctor’s medical career. 

The sudden shift is off putting, but I suppose it makes sense in the grand scheme of Noguchi’s story. Additionally, Coroner to the Stars isn’t incredibly pushy–allowing individuals like George Takei to express his belief that racism played a role in Noguchi’s downfall, but others to combat it, presenting valid information to counter Takei’s (and others’) arguments.

By the conclusion of Coroner to the Stars it feels that Directors Ben Hethcoat and Keita Ideno have managed to present sufficient evidence for both sides of the drama that has surrounded Noguchi. Viewers are able to form their own opinions, feel as if they’ve been given the tools to analyze and dissect his career for themselves. It’s only fair to present viewers with every bit of information–though this is a practice that is often forgotten in documentaries. Coroner to the Stars has its moments of aggression, but they are often met by an equal force that appeals to viewers. 

When I first noticed the film’s runtime, I felt that it may be a bit too long–however, Coroner to the Stars is effectively paced, able to grab viewers' attention, and move at a quick-enough rate to keep them engaged. The only hiccup in regard to the film’s pacing is that aforementioned shift in the narrative. Though, as the film continues to move forward, shifting back to its initial storyline, it regains rhythm–continuing until its final moment. 

Simply put, Coroner to the Stars is one of the best documentaries that I’ve seen in some time–a testament to filmmaking, and an example of what documentaries can and should be. 

Directed by Ben Hethcoat & Keita Ideno. 

Written by Ben Hethcoat, John Henry Hinkel, & Keita Ideno. 

Starring Dr. Thomas T. Noguchi, Steve Dowell, Masako Easton, Dr. Mark Fajardo, Dr. Marcella Fierro, etc. 

7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING