Is Saito Dosan: Rage of Power Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1991)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Saito Dosan: Rage of Power (1991), audiences are invited back into the world of History, War. 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 age of warring clans (Sengoku Jidai), many samurai lords sought to unite the country under their banners by becoming the supreme leader. One of the first to vie for power in this way was Saito Dosan, the 'Viper'. His son-in-law, Oda Nobunaga, did in fact unite the nation after subduing all of his enemies, yet falling at last to the treachery of one of his most trusted generals. This story is a pre-cursor to those later events as the brilliant military strategist Saito Dosan rises to power and notoriety as a great lord in his own right. Directed by Kudo Eiichi and with a tremendous supporting cast that includes Nakamura Toru as Oda Nobunaga and Chiba Shinichi as Akechi Mitsutsugu, battle scenes of awesome power and a unique view of Japanese history, this is a marvelous production highlighted by the action scenes done by the Japan Action Club (JAC)."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Ken Matsudaira does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good History. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Saito Dosan: Rage of Power worth your time? If you appreciate History, War 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, Saito Dosan: Rage of Power is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 246 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.