Is I Am Kirishima Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2025)

📖 The Core Premise

I Am Kirishima stands as a 2025 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the 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. "On January 25th, 2024, Hiroshi Uchida, a 70-year-old man with terminal cancer made a deathbed confession to the Kamakura hospital staff treating him: “I am Satoshi Kirishima.” On January 29th, he died. For 49 years, Kirishima was a fugitive pursued by the police for his involvement with the East Asia Anti-Japan Armed Front’s bombing campaign that terrified Tokyo in the 70s. While others from the group were caught and sentenced to death, Kirishima remained on the run and off the radar by working as a day-labourer and living a solitary life amongst neighbours who affectionately dubbed him “Ucchan,” a quiet guy known to like a beer and rock music."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In I Am Kirishima, even the presence of Katsuya Maiguma 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 I Am Kirishima worth your time? If you appreciate 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, I Am Kirishima misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 105 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.