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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for The Political Game.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is The Political Game Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1989)

This is James Miki's first directorial work, and he is also the original writer and scriptwriter. Noritaka Sakamoto was in charge of photography, and Kentaro Haneda was in charge o...

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of cinema, then The Political Game offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1989 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

The Political Game stands as a 1989 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the various 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. "This is James Miki's first directorial work, and he is also the original writer and scriptwriter. Noritaka Sakamoto was in charge of photography, and Kentaro Haneda was in charge of music direction. It depicts how an honest candidate aiming for a clean election campaign gradually collapses in the face of various realities. Kiyokawa, the mayor of Higurashi City, died at his lover's house. Yoshihiko announces that he will conduct a clean election campaign, but his sponsors and backers are reluctant."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In The Political Game, even the presence of Masahiko Tsugawa struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good cinema. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Political Game worth your time? If you appreciate various 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, The Political Game misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 123 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.

⏳ Time Investment

123MIN

At approximately 2.1 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.