Taro the Dragon Boy
Taro the Dragon Boy Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: Taro the Dragon Boy
| Movie | Taro the Dragon Boy |
| Release Year | 1979 |
| Director | Kirio Urayama |
| Genre | Fantasy / Animation / Family / Adventure |
| Runtime | 75 minutes (1h 15m) |
| Language | JA |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Taro the Dragon Boy (1979) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Taro the Dragon Boy are led by Junya Kato . The supporting cast, including Mina Tominaga and Sayuri Yoshinaga , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Taro the Dragon Boy does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Fantasy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Taro the Dragon Boy has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Fantasy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Taro the Dragon Boy
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1979, Taro the Dragon Boy is a Fantasy, Animation, Family, Adventure anime directed by Kirio Urayama, written by Kirio Urayama. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Junya Kato as Taro (voice).
Ending Explained: Taro the Dragon Boy
Taro the Dragon Boy Ending Explained: Patterned after Japanese art and silk screens, Taro, The Dragon Boy is an animated feature about Japanese mythology and cultures, focusing on Taro, a young boy who has to make a voyage to a distant lake to save his mother, who has been turned into a dragon. Directed by Kirio Urayama, this 1979 fantasy anime stars Junya Kato (Taro (voice)), alongside Mina Tominaga as Aya (voice), Sayuri Yoshinaga as Tatsuya (voice), Kirin Kiki as Yamanba (voice). With a 6.4/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Taro the Dragon Boy?
Patterned after Japanese art and silk screens, Taro, The Dragon Boy is an animated feature about Japanese mythology and cultures, focusing on Taro, a young boy who has to make a voyage to a distant lake to save his mother, who has been turned into a dragon.
How Does Junya Kato (Taro (voice))'s Story End?
- Junya Kato: Junya Kato's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Mina Tominaga (Aya (voice)): Mina Tominaga's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Sayuri Yoshinaga (Tatsuya (voice)): Sayuri Yoshinaga's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Taro the Dragon Boy Mean?
Taro the Dragon Boy's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Junya Kato may feel rushed. Kirio Urayama's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Taro the Dragon Boy Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Taro the Dragon Boy Based on a True Story?
No, Taro the Dragon Boy is a work of fiction. While the fantasy, animation, family, adventure anime directed by Kirio Urayama and starring Junya Kato may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Taro the Dragon Boy?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Fantasy shows and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Junya Kato or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 75 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Taro the Dragon Boy Parents Guide & Age Rating
1979 AdvisoryWondering about Taro the Dragon Boy age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Taro the Dragon Boy (1979) is 75 minutes (1h 15m). Directed by Kirio Urayama, the film runs for 75 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Taro the Dragon Boy is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1979 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taro the Dragon Boy worth watching?
Taro the Dragon Boy is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Taro the Dragon Boy parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Taro the Dragon Boy identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Taro the Dragon Boy (1979)?
The runtime of Taro the Dragon Boy (1979) is 75 minutes (approximately 1h 15m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
