Is Shogun Iemitsu Shinobi Tabi Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1990)

📖 The Core Premise

Shogun Iemitsu Shinobi Tabi returns to the screen in 1990, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, History 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. "Shogun Iemitsu Shinobi Tabi was a pair of television jidaigeki series on TV Asahi in Japan. The first aired in 1990–1991 and the sequel in 1992–1993. Kunihiko Mitamura portrayed Tokugawa Iemitsu in both series. The show premiered on October 13, 1990, as an off-season replacement for the popular Abarenbo Shogun. It shared several cast members with Abarenbo Shogun, including Reiko Takashima, Ayako Tanaka and some minor guest actors. The final episode aired on March 30, 1991. The sequel ran during the same months of 1992–1993."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Shogun Iemitsu Shinobi Tabi, even the presence of Hiroshi Katsuno 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 Shogun Iemitsu Shinobi Tabi worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, History 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, Shogun Iemitsu Shinobi Tabi misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 134 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.