Is Goryokaku Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1988)

📖 The Core Premise

Goryokaku stands as a 1988 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Action, History, 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. "After the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate, there was a series of battles fought while the former supporters of the Tokugawa shogunate retreated to the north where they actually started a sovereign nation that was recognized by more than one European country. Survivors of the Shinsengumi were among the followers of Enomoto Takeaki who took them to the northernmost island of Ezo where they fought their final battle at the star shaped fort, Goryokaku. The Japanese Civil Wars fought in the name of the emperor signaled the complete end of the feudal system and Japan’s entry into the modern world as those brave samurai tried to halt progress and learned that the age of modern warfare and weaponry had passed them by. Swords were no match for rifles and cannons, nor was any man a match for the power of the imperial flag. Japanese loyalty to the emperor has long defined the nation and culture despite the changing times."

🎬 Performance & Direction

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

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Goryokaku worth your time? If you appreciate Action, History, Drama 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, Goryokaku misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 290 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.