Is Tougen Anki: The Stage Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2024)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Tougen Anki: The Stage (2024), audiences are invited back into the world of various. 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. "The bloodlines of "Oni" and "Momotaro" have been passed down among certain humans for generations. Long ago, the Oni, aware of their own ferocity, lived in seclusion. However, their peace was shattered by an invasion led by Momotaro. Over thousands of years, these two factions formed the "Momotaro Agency" and the "Oni Agency," respectively, and have been locked in conflict ever since. The protagonist, Shiki Ichinose, suddenly learns of his Oni lineage following an unexpected attack by Momotaro. This revelation sets Shiki on a path to discover the destiny that lies within his blood — a meeting with the Oni dwelling within him."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Alan Abe feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. 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 Tougen Anki: The Stage 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, Tougen Anki: The Stage misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of N/A minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.