Verdict:A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 0.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary genre.
Answer: Maybe not, A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 71 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 2003, A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on Ankoku Butoh is a style of avant-garde dance that established itself in the counter culture experimental arts scene of post WWII Japan. Under the direction of Misao Arai, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Tatsumi Hijikata. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of early 2026, A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. Ankoku Butoh is a style of avant-garde dance that established itself in the counter culture experimental arts scene of post WWII Japan. The dance form is thought to have been founded by Tatsumi Hijikata, who both created and performed in butoh pieces from the late 1950’s - through the early 1970’s. In butoh, the style of movement is extremely stylized and deliberate, vacillating between slow and sharp, expressing feelings of dread, sexualization, violence, calmness, birth and “creatureness” among other things. This performance of Summer Storm was originally recorded in 1973 at Westside Auditorium, Kyoto University, Japan, and was Hijikata’s last public performance before his death in 1986 with Butoh of Dark Spirit School. Video version produced in 2003. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2003 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School (2003): with an audience rating of 0/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Documentary cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2003 cinematic year.
A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 0/10, A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 0/10, A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School is a Documentary movie that follows: Ankoku Butoh is a style of avant-garde dance that established itself in the counter culture experimental arts scene of post WWII Japan. The dance form is thought to have been founded by Tatsumi Hijika...
A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School is classified as Documentary. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
A Summer Storm: Butoh of Dark Spirit School is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Ankoku Butoh is a style of avant-garde dance that established itself in the counter culture experimental arts scene of post WWII Japan. The dance form is thought to have been founded by Tatsumi Hijikata, who both created and performed in butoh pieces from the late 1950’s - through the early 1970’s. In butoh, the style of movement is extremely stylized and deliberate, vacillating between slow and sharp, expressing feelings of dread, sexualization, violence, calmness, birth and “creatureness” among other things. This performance of Summer Storm was originally recorded in 1973 at Westside Auditorium, Kyoto University, Japan, and was Hijikata’s last public performance before his death in 1986 with Butoh of Dark Spirit School. Video version produced in 2003.
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