Is Distant Thunder Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Distant Thunder is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 135 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Distant Thunder Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1981, Distant Thunder enters the Romance genre with a narrative focused on A young man living on growing tomatoes in a greenhouse in a residential area. Under the direction of Kichitaro Negishi, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Toshiyuki Nagashima, Johnny Ohkura, Eri Ishida. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Distant Thunder offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, though the pacing during its 135-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Distant Thunder is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.8/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Romance, Drama, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of Distant Thunder
- Toshiyuki Nagashima – Mitsuo Wada
- Johnny Ohkura – Hirotsugu Nakamori
- Eri Ishida – Ayako Hanamori
- Casey Takamine – Father of Mitsuo
- Reiko Nanao – Mother of Mitsuo
Top Highlights
Toshiyuki NagashimaMitsuo Wada
Johnny OhkuraHirotsugu Nakamori
Eri IshidaAyako Hanamori
Casey TakamineFather of Mitsuo
Reiko NanaoMother of Mitsuo
Izumi HaraGrandmother of Mitsuo
Yumiko FujitaChii
Keizo KanieHusband of Kaede
Akira TakahashiFather of Ayako
Akemi NegishiMother of Hirotsugu
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Distant Thunder stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Distant Thunder movie hit or flop?
Distant Thunder has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Distant Thunder worth watching?
Distant Thunder is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Romance, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Distant Thunder?
Distant Thunder is a Romance, Drama movie that A young man living on growing tomatoes in a greenhouse in a residential area. Tomato cultivation is as doomed as his personal life where he tries to k...
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