Is Itosato Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

📖 The Core Premise

Itosato stands as a 2018 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Action, Drama, Romance 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. "The story is set 155 years ago, during the battles that ended the Shogun era and through the eyes of young Itosato, we gather an interesting glimpse into a world surrounded by the most arcane women, who for the times they were destined to live, were very similar to the women of today; displaying leadership and strength within the bounds of a society at large. Itosato is a "TENJIN,' who is a courtesan in training just beneath the rank of TAYOU, which carries an Aristocratic title of Supreme Entertainer in the old capital city of Kyoto. There are two more women who play a key role in this story and all three women are in love with men who are commanders within the infamous special police task force, Shinsengumi. A task force that was organized to protect Shogun government under the command of the Kyoto Military Commissioner."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Ryoko Fujino feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. 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 Itosato worth your time? If you appreciate Action, Drama, Romance 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, Itosato misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 117 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.