Is A Matter of Valour Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1957)

📖 The Core Premise

A Matter of Valour returns to the screen in 1957, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, History genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Chushingura has been made into a movie several times before, but this time it will be presented in a widescreen version with all natural colors and a new look. Written by Masato Ide and directed by Tatsuo Osone. This is a magnificent scroll of images that depicts on a grand scale the triumph of the Genroku era that shook the citizens of Edo, the peaceful capital of Japan. The top stars of the film, shinpa, shingeki, and kabuki worlds at the time of production were lavishly cast, and a huge budget was invested to create a large set for this highly acclaimed and moving epic."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In A Matter of Valour, even the presence of Ennosuke Ichikawa struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is A Matter of Valour worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, History films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, A Matter of Valour misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 155 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.