Is Tora-san Plays Daddy Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1987)
A playboy-gambler friend of Tora-san’s dies and, abandoned by his mother, his little boy suddenly turns up in Shibamata. Searching for the boy’s mother, Tora-san meets a cosmetics ...
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Comedy cinema, then Tora-san Plays Daddy offers a fresh and engaging experience that justifies its existence in the 1987 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
📖 The Core Premise
Tora-san Plays Daddy returns to the screen in 1987, 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. "A playboy-gambler friend of Tora-san’s dies and, abandoned by his mother, his little boy suddenly turns up in Shibamata. Searching for the boy’s mother, Tora-san meets a cosmetics saleslady and the three become a surrogate family, with Tora-san as “daddy”."
🎬 Performance & Direction
A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Kiyoshi Atsumi 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 Comedy. The cinematography and score further amplify the experience, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.
🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)
Is Tora-san Plays Daddy 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 1987, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.
🏆 Final Verdict
Ultimately, Tora-san Plays Daddy is a solid addition to the genre.
With a runtime of 101 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.
Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.7 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.