Is Issa Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

📖 The Core Premise

Issa stands as a 2017 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the History, Drama, Family 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. "Movie depicts the later life of poet Issa Kobayashi. At the age of 50, he goes back to his hometown. Two years later, he marries 28-year-old Kiku. The couple go on to have three sons and one daughter, but their children all die at early ages. Due to inheritance issues with his father's property, Issa comes into conflict with his stepmother Satsu and his younger stepbrother Senroku."

🎬 Performance & Direction

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

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Issa worth your time? If you appreciate History, Drama, Family 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, Issa misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 125 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.