Verdict:The General and His Empire of Joy is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 3.6/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama genre.
Answer: Maybe not, The General and His Empire of Joy is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 81 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 1977, The General and His Empire of Joy enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Zenjiro (Masaru Shiga) is a lowlife criminal, roaming the country with his merry band of crooks, gamblers and rapists. Under the direction of Ikuo Sekimoto, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Eiko Matsuda. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, The General and His Empire of Joy 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, The General and His Empire of Joy resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of early 2026, The General and His Empire of Joy is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of The General and His Empire of Joy centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. Zenjiro (Masaru Shiga) is a lowlife criminal, roaming the country with his merry band of crooks, gamblers and rapists. When he gets done with his latest escapade of banging a samurai's wife, he finds that his love Okoyo (Eiko Matsuda), has managed to be recruited as one of Shogun Tokugawa Ietsuna's (Kantaro Suga) concubines. While attempting to win her back, Zenjiro becomes involved in increasingly murderous palace intrigues. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1977 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of The General and His Empire of Joy 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 The General and His Empire of Joy sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for The General and His Empire of Joy (1977): with an audience rating of 3.6/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.6/10, and global collection metrics, The General and His Empire of Joy stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1977 cinematic year.
The General and His Empire of Joy is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.6/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 3.6/10, The General and His Empire of Joy may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
The General and His Empire of Joy may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
The General and His Empire of Joy is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.6/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 3.6/10, The General and His Empire of Joy may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
The General and His Empire of Joy may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
The General and His Empire of Joy is a Drama movie that follows: Zenjiro (Masaru Shiga) is a lowlife criminal, roaming the country with his merry band of crooks, gamblers and rapists. When he gets done with his latest escapade of banging a samurai's wife, he finds ...
The General and His Empire of Joy is classified as Drama. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
The General and His Empire of Joy is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Zenjiro (Masaru Shiga) is a lowlife criminal, roaming the country with his merry band of crooks, gamblers and rapists. When he gets done with his latest escapade of banging a samurai's wife, he finds that his love Okoyo (Eiko Matsuda), has managed to be recruited as one of Shogun Tokugawa Ietsuna's (Kantaro Suga) concubines. While attempting to win her back, Zenjiro becomes involved in increasingly murderous palace intrigues.
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