Is Lucky Dragon No. 5 Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1959)

📖 The Core Premise

Lucky Dragon No. 5 returns to the screen in 1959, 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. "An ageing fishing boat, Dai-go Fukuryu Maru ("Lucky Dragon No. 5") sets out from the port of Yaizu in Shizuoka Prefecture. It travels around the Pacific line fishing. While the ship is near Bikini Atoll, the ship's navigator sees a flash. All the crew come up to watch. They realize it is an atomic explosion, but take time to clear their fishing gear. A short time later, grey ash starts to fall on the ship. When the ship returns to port the sailors have been burned brown. They unload the fish, which are then transported away. They visit the local doctor and then go to Tokyo for an examination. It turns out they are all highly radioactive. Their symptoms become worse, and the contaminated fish causes a panic."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Lucky Dragon No. 5, Jūkichi Uno delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. 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 Lucky Dragon No. 5 worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Lucky Dragon No. 5 is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 107 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.