Is Baian the Assassin Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1981)

📖 The Core Premise

Baian the Assassin stands as a 1981 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Action, Drama landscape. 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. "This is an ensemble period drama adapted from Shotaro Ikenami's popular novel, featuring the famous Kabuki actor brothers Kinnosuke Manya and Katsuo Nakamura, who made the transition from the Kabuki world to the film industry, and a cast of gorgeous and diverse faces. The Edo period. Nagato Abe, a Hatamoto (a feudal lord), is annoyed by his son's bad behavior, and when it becomes a hindrance to his own career, he asks Otowaya Hanemon, a black marketeer, to assassinate his son. The target is then taken care of by the assassin, Umeyasu. In order to keep his mouth shut, Nagatomon no Mamoru also attempts to take Otowaya's life. Nagato's brother-in-law, Omiya Sahei, a corrupt merchant from the Kamigata region, also plans to replace Otowaya as the head of Edo's black market business, so Umebayashi and his fellow trapper Hikojiro set out to eliminate them."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Baian the Assassin, Kinnosuke Nakamura delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Action. The cinematography and score further amplify the experience, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Baian the Assassin worth your time? If you appreciate Action, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1981, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Baian the Assassin is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 100 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.