Is Tokugawa Ieyasu and his Three Ladies Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2008)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Tokugawa Ieyasu and his Three Ladies (2008), audiences are invited back into the world of Action, 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. "With a mixture of drama, warlords, battles, love, tragedy all set with great music, this made for television movie has it all. Showing the rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu as portrayed by Matsudaira Ken (Abarenbo Shogun) this stunning portrait of an exciting era shows how the influence of three women played a pivotal role in the formation of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Brilliant performances by Nakamura Atsuo (Cold Wind Monjiro) and Nakamura Tamao (widow of Katsu Shintaro) highlight this production as such notables as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotami Hideyoshi, Lady Sena, Princess Asahi, and Lady Yodo jump from the pages of history all leading up to the Battle of Sekigahara that would change Japan forever!"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Ken Matsudaira shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. 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 Tokugawa Ieyasu and his Three Ladies worth your time? If you appreciate Action, History, War films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2008, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Tokugawa Ieyasu and his Three Ladies is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 170 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.