Is Fireflies in the North Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Fireflies in the North is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 125 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Fireflies in the North Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1984, Fireflies in the North enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Set in the icy wilderness of Hokkaido during the early days of the Meiji era, where the brutal warden of Kabato Prison terrorizes convicts sentenced to forced labor to build the roads needed to open up the territory. Under the direction of Hideo Gosha, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Tatsuya Nakadai, Shima Iwashita, Koichi Sato. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Fireflies in the North offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, though the pacing during its 125-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Fireflies in the North 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 5.3/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Drama, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
Cast of Fireflies in the North
- Tatsuya Nakadai – Takeshi Tsukigata
- Shima Iwashita – Yu Nakamura
- Koichi Sato – Yakichi
- Ai Saotome – Setsu Furuya
- Daisuke Ryū – Nagakura
Top Highlights
Tatsuya NakadaiTakeshi Tsukigata
Shima IwashitaYu Nakamura
Koichi SatoYakichi
Ai SaotomeSetsu Furuya
Daisuke RyūNagakura
Kunihiko MitamuraMasaki
Reiko NakamuraHamagiku
Junko TakazawaHanayakko
Shunsuke Kariya
Hatsuo YamayaMarutoku
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, Fireflies in the North stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1984 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fireflies in the North movie hit or flop?
Fireflies in the North has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Fireflies in the North worth watching?
Fireflies in the North is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Fireflies in the North?
Fireflies in the North is a Drama movie that Set in the icy wilderness of Hokkaido during the early days of the Meiji era, where the brutal warden of Kabato Prison terrorizes convicts sentenced t...
