Is Ballad Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Ballad is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 132 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ballad Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2009, Ballad enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Based on the plot of an award-winning Crayon Shin-chan animated movie from 2002, a boy named Shinichi (Takei) does the time-traveling and meets a feared general named Ijiri Matabei (Kusanagi). Under the direction of Takashi Yamazaki, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Tsuyoshi Kusanagi. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Ballad offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 132-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Ballad resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Ballad is available for streaming on Hulu. It is also featured on platforms like U-NEXT and Amazon Prime Video. 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.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Ballad centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. Based on the plot of an award-winning Crayon Shin-chan animated movie from 2002, a boy named Shinichi (Takei) does the time-traveling and meets a feared general named Ijiri Matabei (Kusanagi). Ijiri is in love with Princess Ren (Aragaki) who subsequently rejects an arranged marriage to Okura Itakatora (Osawa), a powerful daimyo of northern Kanto. Enraged by the rejection, Okura sends a large army to Ijiri's smaller state and it's up to Shinichi to change their destiny. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2009 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Ballad 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 Ballad sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Ballad (2009): with an audience rating of 5.4/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Action, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch Ballad Online?
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Ballad has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Drama, Action, Romance), viewers should expect violence, action sequences, romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, Ballad stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ballad movie hit or flop?
Ballad has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Ballad worth watching?
Ballad is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Action, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Ballad online?
Ballad is currently available for streaming on Hulu. You can also check for it on platforms like Hulu, U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Ballad movie hit or flop?
Ballad has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Ballad worth watching?
Ballad is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Action, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Ballad online?
Ballad is currently available for streaming on Hulu. You can also check for it on platforms like Hulu, U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
What is the story of Ballad?
Ballad is a Drama, Action, Romance movie that follows: Based on the plot of an award-winning Crayon Shin-chan animated movie from 2002, a boy named Shinichi (Takei) does the time-traveling and meets a feared general named Ijiri Matabei (Kusanagi). Ijiri i...
Is Ballad family friendly?
Ballad is classified as Drama, Action, Romance. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is Ballad available in?
Ballad is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Based on the plot of an award-winning Crayon Shin-chan animated movie from 2002, a boy named Shinichi (Takei) does the time-traveling and meets a feared general named Ijiri Matabei (Kusanagi). Ijiri is in love with Princess Ren (Aragaki) who subsequently rejects an arranged marriage to Okura Itakatora (Osawa), a powerful daimyo of northern Kanto. Enraged by the rejection, Okura sends a large army to Ijiri's smaller state and it's up to Shinichi to change their destiny.
Critic Reviews
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