The Lion Dance Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: The Lion Dance
| Movie | The Lion Dance |
| Release Year | 1936 |
| Director | Yasujirō Ozu |
| Genre | Music / Documentary |
| Runtime | 24 minutes (24m) |
| Language | JA |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Lion Dance (1936) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Music.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Lion Dance are led by Kikugorô Onoe . The supporting cast, including Kinjirou Onoe and Shigeru Onoe , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Lion Dance does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Music films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Lion Dance 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 Music fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Lion Dance
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1936, The Lion Dance is a Music, Documentary film directed by Yasujirō Ozu. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kikugorô Onoe as Yayoi / Shishi no sei.
Ending Explained: The Lion Dance
The Lion Dance Ending Explained: Famous kabuki performer Kikugoro IV performs the Lion Dance, in which a young girl is possessed by the spirit of a lion and transforms into the demonic beast. Directed by Yasujirō Ozu, this 1936 music film stars Kikugorô Onoe (Yayoi / Shishi no sei), alongside Kinjirou Onoe as Kochou, Shigeru Onoe as Kochou, Wafuu Matsunaga as Nagauta - Uta. With a 6.1/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Lion Dance?
Famous kabuki performer Kikugoro IV performs the Lion Dance, in which a young girl is possessed by the spirit of a lion and transforms into the demonic beast.
How Does Kikugorô Onoe (Yayoi / Shishi no sei)'s Story End?
- Kikugorô Onoe: Kikugorô Onoe's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Kinjirou Onoe (Kochou): Kinjirou Onoe's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Shigeru Onoe (Kochou): Shigeru Onoe's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Lion Dance Mean?
The Lion Dance's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Kikugorô Onoe may feel rushed. Yasujirō Ozu's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Lion Dance Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Lion Dance Based on a True Story?
No, The Lion Dance is a work of fiction. While the music, documentary film directed by Yasujirō Ozu and starring Kikugorô Onoe may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Lion Dance?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Music films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Kikugorô Onoe or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 24 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Lion Dance Parents Guide & Age Rating
1936 AdvisoryWondering about The Lion Dance age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Lion Dance (1936) is 24 minutes (24m). Directed by Yasujirō Ozu, the film runs for 24 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Lion Dance is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1936 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Lion Dance worth watching?
The Lion Dance is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Music movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Lion Dance parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Lion Dance identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Lion Dance (1936)?
The runtime of The Lion Dance (1936) is 24 minutes (approximately 0h 24m).
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.
