Is Ballad Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Ballad is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 132 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ballad Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, Ballad emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Action, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Based on the plot of an award-winning Crayon Shin-chan animated movie from 2002, a boy named Shinichi (Takei) does the time-traveling and meets a feared general named Ijiri Matabei (Kusanagi). Unlike standard genre fare, Ballad attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ballad features a noteworthy lineup led by Tsuyoshi Kusanagi . Supported by the likes of Yui Aragaki and Takao Osawa , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Ballad (2009) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Ballad Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ballad is a Drama, Action, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ballad Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ballad attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ballad reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Ballad Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Ballad uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama, action, romance film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Ballad adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Ballad?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Ballad
- Tsuyoshi Kusanagi – Matabe Ijiri
- Yui Aragaki – Princess Renheme
- Takao Osawa – Itakatora Ohkura
- Yui Natsukawa – Misako Kawakami
- Michitaka Tsutsui – Akira Kawakami
Top Highlights
Tsuyoshi KusanagiMatabe Ijiri
Yui AragakiPrincess Renheme
Takao OsawaItakatora Ohkura
Yui NatsukawaMisako Kawakami
Michitaka TsutsuiAkira Kawakami
Akashi TakeiShinichi Kawakami
Where to Watch Ballad Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Hulu
U-NEXT
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with AdsParents Guide & Age Rating
Ballad has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Action, Romance), it contains violence, action sequences, romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, Ballad stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ballad movie hit or flop?
Ballad has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Ballad worth watching?
Ballad is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Action, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Ballad online?
Ballad is currently available for streaming on Hulu. You can also check for it on platforms like Hulu, U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
