Is Tora-san Goes Religious? Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1983)

📖 The Core Premise

Tora-san Goes Religious? returns to the screen in 1983, bringing a fresh narrative to the Comedy 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. "Tora-san visits brother-in-law Hiroshi's hometown to attend a memorial service for his late father. When the local temple priest becomes intoxicated, Tora-san wearing the priest's robe delivers the memorial speech, much to his family's surprise. Thinking he's found his true calling, Tora-san decides to join the order, and falls for the priest's divorced daughter."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Tora-san Goes Religious?, Kiyoshi Atsumi delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Tora-san Goes Religious? worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1983, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Tora-san Goes Religious? is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 105 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.