Is It Is a Long Walk Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2000)

📖 The Core Premise

It Is a Long Walk returns to the screen in 2000, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama 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. "Screen icon Sayuri Yoshinaga stars in this historical melodrama about geishas in the southern city of Nagasaki set during the 1920s. Though she was sold to a geisha house at a young age, Aihara (Yoshinaga) has since become a master samisen player and woman of great elegance. Though not especially rich, she doles out money to street kids, in particular, a pretty young flower vendor named Oyuki, who becomes Aihara's godchild of sorts. Yet when a geisha (Reiko Takashima) from a rival red-light district insults Aihara and her brethren, she fights back. Soon an all-out geisha war looms. Dapper businessman and amateur scholar Tojiro Koga (Tetsuya Watari) appears on the scene and defuses tempers -- suggesting that difference be settled through a competition of artistic abilities. Smitten with her talent and mature beauty, Koga invites Aihara to record Nagasaki folk songs before they disappear forever"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Sayuri Yoshinaga shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. 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 It Is a Long Walk worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2000, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, It Is a Long Walk is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 115 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.