Is Ohten no Mon: The Tale of Young Sugawara no Michizane Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

📖 The Core Premise

Ohten no Mon: The Tale of Young Sugawara no Michizane stands as a 2023 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Drama 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. "During the early Heian period, Fujiwara no Yoshifusa and his adopted heir Mototsune maintained control over the Imperial Court. Mysterious incidents frequently occurred in ancient Kyoto where a procession of demons would strut through the streets monthly on the day of the Rat, killing anyone who saw them. By chance, Sugawara no Michizane becomes acquainted with Ariwara no Narihira, the head of the police and judicial chief. Recognizing Michizane’s talents, who from a young age was a brilliant and renowned scholar, Narihira asks for his help in solving the mystery. Thanks to the cooperation of Shoki, an obstinate female shopkeeper who deals in Tang Dynasty goods, Michizane gradually draws closer to solving the mystery. In the background, however, swirls the greed of secretive powerful figures who mask their intrigues as the deeds of demons and specters..."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Ohten no Mon: The Tale of Young Sugawara no Michizane, even the presence of Kanato Tsukishiro struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. 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 Ohten no Mon: The Tale of Young Sugawara no Michizane worth your time? If you appreciate Drama 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, Ohten no Mon: The Tale of Young Sugawara no Michizane misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 160 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.