Jōiuchi

Synopsis

Jōiuchi, a 2020 Japanese drama directed by Kento Nagayama, delves into the intense political and social upheavals during Japan's Edo period. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and justice as it unravels a gripping tale of samurai honor and the personal struggles faced amid covert power shifts. With a compelling narrative enriched by authentic period details and powerful performances, Jōiuchi transports viewers into a world where personal and political conflicts intertwine, challenging characters to confront their deepest beliefs.

Cast

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  Kento Nagayama

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  Matsuya Onoe

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  Hitomi Miyauchi

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  Rie Kitahara

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  Ryuta Muro

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  Takashi Ukaji

Reviews

Critics have offered generally favorable reviews of Jōiuchi, highlighting its historical authenticity and strong performances. While Rotten Tomatoes does not have a comprehensive score for the film, several niche Japanese cinema reviewers praise its meticulous attention to period detail and atmospheric tension. IMDb users have rated the film around 6.8/10, emphasizing the movie's compelling story and solid acting, particularly by Kento Nagayama, although some note that the pacing can feel slow at times. Metacritic lacks aggregated scores for this title, reflecting its more limited international release. Reviewers from Asian movie portals commend the film’s cinematography and the emotional depth of its characters, though a few express that the intricate political themes might be dense for those unfamiliar with the historical context. Overall, Jōiuchi is regarded as a thoughtful period drama that appeals to aficionados of samurai lore and Japanese history, balancing action with drama to create a nuanced cinematic experience.