Is Yukariko Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2010)

📖 The Core Premise

Yukariko returns to the screen in 2010, bringing a fresh narrative to the various 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. "The time is the Azuchi-Momoyama Period. While Yukariko is a woman, she is by nature masculine and, as she was raised in a family with no heir, she learned general martial arts. Then an unexpected story is told to Yukariko, whose father died suddenly. It is said that because Yukariko is the daughter of the daimyo of Aki, and twins with the current feudal lord, she was given to an adoptive family in secret. As a matter of fact her brother the feudal lord, Midorio, is ill, and in order that the other provinces may not know, she is told that he wants her to serve as his substitute...."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Kiriya Hiromu 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 cinema. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Yukariko 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, Yukariko misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 100 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.