Is Sabu and Ichi's Detective Stories Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Sabu and Ichi's Detective Stories (2015), audiences are invited back into the world of Crime, Mystery. 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. "Bunsei era, at a time when Edo culture is at its peak, and barely 50 years before the arrival of the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Sabu is a cheerful, honest young man who left his hometown with the dream of becoming a policeman. He is an informant to the policeman Saheiji of Asakusa in Edo and stays with him and his daughter Midori. One day, Sabu encounters the cool master swordsman Ichi, who makes a living giving massages, and they become partners in an unexpected way. Although Sabu is still an informant, he and the blind Ichi collaborate in a way that compensates for each other’s shortcomings. Sabu becomes Ichi’s eyes while Ichi becomes Sabu’s right-hand man and solves cases with his well-honed skills of deduction as they search for the truth in difficult cases in Edo. One case starts with the discovery of two dead bodies in the Sumida River. The bodies have diagonal slashes and were left in boxes."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Teppei Koike is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Crime. The cinematography and score further amplify the experience, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Sabu and Ichi's Detective Stories worth your time? If you appreciate Crime, Mystery films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2015, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Sabu and Ichi's Detective Stories is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 97 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.