Is Sanpei the Fisher Boy Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Sanpei the Fisher Boy is likely a skip if you enjoy movies.
It features a runtime of 118 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

Verdict:Sanpei the Fisher Boy is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 4.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the genre.
Answer: Maybe not, Sanpei the Fisher Boy is likely a skip if you enjoy movies.
It features a runtime of 118 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 2009, Sanpei the Fisher Boy enters the Film genre with a narrative focused on Sanpei is a young boy who lives with his grandpa in a small village in Akita and they both love fishing and are masters at it. Under the direction of Yojiro Takita, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Kenta Suga. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, Sanpei the Fisher Boy 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, Sanpei the Fisher Boy resonates with current cultural themes in the Film space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of early 2026, Sanpei the Fisher Boy is available for streaming on U-NEXT. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of Sanpei the Fisher Boy centers on a unique premise within the undefined landscape. Sanpei is a young boy who lives with his grandpa in a small village in Akita and they both love fishing and are masters at it. His sister moved to Tokyo when their father died and blames it on the fishing. She thinks it's just a stupid play. Gyoshin, a bass professional fisher who lives and competes in America is in a slump and comes to the small village to try to find the joy of fishing again. Together, they all go to find the legendary big char of Yonakidani (The Crying Valley of The Night), which Sanpei's father once saw, but could never catch, before he died. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2009 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of Sanpei the Fisher Boy 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 Sanpei the Fisher Boy sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for Sanpei the Fisher Boy (2009): with an audience rating of 4/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6,000,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The estimated production budget for Sanpei the Fisher Boy is $6,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
U-NEXT
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play MoviesAnalyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4/10, and global collection metrics, Sanpei the Fisher Boy stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Sanpei the Fisher Boy is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 4/10, Sanpei the Fisher Boy may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Sanpei the Fisher Boy is currently available for streaming on U-NEXT. You can also check for it on platforms like U-NEXT depending on your region.



Sanpei the Fisher Boy is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 4/10, Sanpei the Fisher Boy may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Sanpei the Fisher Boy is currently available for streaming on U-NEXT. You can also check for it on platforms like U-NEXT depending on your region.
Sanpei the Fisher Boy is a movie that follows: Sanpei is a young boy who lives with his grandpa in a small village in Akita and they both love fishing and are masters at it. His sister moved to Tokyo when their father died and blames it on the fis...
Sanpei the Fisher Boy is classified as . We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
Sanpei the Fisher Boy is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Sanpei is a young boy who lives with his grandpa in a small village in Akita and they both love fishing and are masters at it. His sister moved to Tokyo when their father died and blames it on the fishing. She thinks it's just a stupid play. Gyoshin, a bass professional fisher who lives and competes in America is in a slump and comes to the small village to try to find the joy of fishing again. Together, they all go to find the legendary big char of Yonakidani (The Crying Valley of The Night), which Sanpei's father once saw, but could never catch, before he died.
No reviews found for this filter.