Is The Walking Major Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1970)

📖 The Core Premise

The Walking Major returns to the screen in 1970, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, War 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. "U.S. Army Captain Clark Allen gains attention by walking back and forth, the length of Japan, gambling with U.S. servicemen in order to raise funds to rebuild an orphanage. Suspicious of Allen's motives, a Japanese newsman, Hiroshi Kitabayashi, traces the American's background until he discovers the motive behind Allen's long walk."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Yūjirō Ishihara attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. 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 The Walking Major worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, War 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 Walking Major misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 136 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.