Is Ishimatsu: the One-Eyed Avenger Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1960)

📖 The Core Premise

Ishimatsu: the One-Eyed Avenger returns to the screen in 1960, bringing a fresh narrative to the Action, Comedy 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. "Some of the finest jidai-geki actors appear in this exciting and entertaining tale of intrigue and action in old Japan. Teaming up the ever-popular Misora Hibari with the greatest samurai action hero of all-time Wakayama Tomisaburo is a brilliant stoke of casting. Hibari takes on the role of Mori no Ishimatsu, a young man who gets involved with real-life Yakuza legend, Shimizu no Jirocho, 'Boss of the Tokaido'. Ishimatsu manages to interfere with a dispute between the Shimizu and their competition, the Marugame family, even going so far as to become an avenger's assistant. It's not the first time Hibari has played a man in a film (also in Benten Kozo), and her acting skills are at their best as she mixes in a bit of humor along with excellent swordplay. Wakayama Tomisaburo, as always, gives an outstanding performance as the powerful and beloved Yakuza Boss Jirocho."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Ishimatsu: the One-Eyed Avenger, Hibari Misora 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. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Ishimatsu: the One-Eyed Avenger worth your time? If you appreciate Action, Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1960, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Ishimatsu: the One-Eyed Avenger is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 83 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.