Is Sanshiro Sugata Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1965)

📖 The Core Premise

Sanshiro Sugata stands as a 1965 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Action, 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. "Remake of Akira Kurosawa's films "Sanshiro Sugata and "Sanshiro Sugata Part II". A young man, Sanshiro Sugata, troubled by personal problems, takes up judo. His teacher, Shogoro Yano, is a devout man who has aroused the enmity of the local practitioners of jujitsu, the older and more accepted of the two sports. Sugata uses his newly learned prowess to gain a measure of respect from others; however, Shogoro insists that the sport has a spiritual side, a lesson Sugata has yet to learn. Eventually, in hand-to-hand combat with the father of a young woman he loves, he comes to understand the true meaning of judo."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Yūzō Kayama's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. 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 Sanshiro Sugata worth your time? If you appreciate Action, 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, Sanshiro Sugata is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 159 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.