March Comes In Like a Lion

Synopsis

March Comes In Like a Lion (2017) follows the life of Rei Kiriyama, a young professional shogi player portrayed by Ryunosuke Kamiki. Struggling with personal loss and emotional isolation, Rei navigates the intense world of competitive shogi while trying to find a balance between his career and his personal life. As he befriends the kind-hearted Kawamoto sisters who offer him friendship and support, Rei begins to confront his inner turmoil and gradually opens up to the possibility of healing and connection. This drama explores themes of loneliness, resilience, and the search for meaning amidst hardship, depicted through a quiet yet deeply moving narrative.

Cast

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  Ryunosuke Kamiki

  Rei Kiriyama

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  Kasumi Arimura

  Kyoko Koda

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  Kana Kurashina

  Akari Kawamoto

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  Shota Sometani

  Harunobu Nikaido

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  Kaya Kiyohara

  Hinata Kawamoto

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  Kuranosuke Sasaki

  Kai Shimada

Reviews

March Comes In Like a Lion has received generally positive reviews for its sensitive portrayal of emotional struggle and character development. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.6/10, reflecting a mixed but favorable response from viewers. Critics have praised Ryunosuke Kamiki’s compelling performance as Rei Kiriyama, bringing depth and authenticity to a complex character facing existential challenges. The movie's pacing and introspective tone have been appreciated for delivering a thoughtful and contemplative experience, though some viewers found its slow storytelling less engaging. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score for this film, but reviews from individual critics highlight its careful handling of emotional themes and the nuanced depiction of loneliness and hope. Metacritic also lacks a formal score, but critics consistently commend the film’s visual style and its balance of melancholy and warmth. Overall, March Comes In Like a Lion is recognized as a heartfelt drama that resonates with audiences seeking meaningful and character-driven stories, though its deliberate pace might not suit those favouring more dynamic narratives.