The Deer King

  • 2021
  • R
  • 113m
movieMx RATING
6.7
98
VERDICT
HIT
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The Deer King Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 12, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 12, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: The Deer King

MovieThe Deer King
Release Year2021
DirectorMasayuki Miyaji
GenreAnimation / Drama / Adventure / Fantasy
Runtime113 minutes (1h 53m)
LanguageJA

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Deer King (2021) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in The Deer King are led by Shinichi Tsutsumi . The supporting cast, including Ryoma Takeuchi and Anne Watanabe , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of The Deer King (2021) is generally positive—a solid choice for fans of the genre. With a platform rating of 6.7/10, it currently stands as a HIT in our database.

What Works in the Movie

The Deer King stands out as a strong entry in the Animation genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.

  • Compelling performances from the main cast
  • Strong visual storytelling and direction
  • Well-structured Animation narrative
  • Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, The Deer King 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 Animation fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: The Deer King

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2021, The Deer King is a Animation, Drama, Adventure, Fantasy anime directed by Masayuki Miyaji, written by Taku Kishimoto. The narrative combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Shinichi Tsutsumi as Van (voice).

Ending Explained: The Deer King

The Deer King Ending Explained: Following a brutal war, former soldier Van toils in a mine controlled by the ruling empire. Directed by Masayuki Miyaji, this 2021 animation anime stars Shinichi Tsutsumi (Van (voice)), alongside Ryoma Takeuchi as Hohsalle (voice), Anne Watanabe as Sae (voice), Hisui Kimura as Yuna (voice). With a 6.7/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of The Deer King?

Following a brutal war, former soldier Van toils in a mine controlled by the ruling empire. One day, his solitary existence is upended when a pack of wild dogs carrying a deadly and incurable disease attack, leaving only Van and a young girl named Yuna as survivors. Finally free, the pair seek out a simple existence in the countryside but are pursued by nefarious forces. Intent on protecting Yuna at all costs, Van must uncover the true cause of the plague ravaging the kingdom—and its possible cure.

Masayuki Miyaji's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Shinichi Tsutsumi (Van (voice))'s journey. One day, his solitary existence is upended when a pack of wild dogs carrying a deadly and incurable disease attack, leaving only Van and a young girl named Yuna as survivors.

How Does Shinichi Tsutsumi (Van (voice))'s Story End?

  • Shinichi Tsutsumi: Shinichi Tsutsumi's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Ryoma Takeuchi (Hohsalle (voice)): Ryoma Takeuchi's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Anne Watanabe (Sae (voice)): Anne Watanabe's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Deer King Mean?

The Deer King's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Shinichi Tsutsumi may feel rushed. Masayuki Miyaji's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.

The Deer King Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is The Deer King Based on a True Story?

No, The Deer King is a work of fiction. While the animation, drama, adventure, fantasy anime directed by Masayuki Miyaji and starring Shinichi Tsutsumi may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.

Who Should Watch The Deer King?

Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Animation shows and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Shinichi Tsutsumi or the director
  • Want solid genre entertainment
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Where to Watch The Deer King Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

The Deer King Parents Guide & Age Rating

2021 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Deer King age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Deer King is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Deer King (2021) is 113 minutes (1h 53m). Directed by Masayuki Miyaji, the film runs for 113 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, The Deer King is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2021 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for The Deer King. Rating: 6.7/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Deer King worth watching?

The Deer King is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Deer King parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Deer King identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the runtime of The Deer King (2021)?

The runtime of The Deer King (2021) is 113 minutes (approximately 1h 53m).

🛡️

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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.7
The Deer King
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