Is Ballad of a Workman Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Ballad of a Workman is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 102 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ballad of a Workman Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1962, Ballad of a Workman emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A demobilized soldier becomes a day laborer with a road construction gang, and his wife goes to work to bolster their income. Unlike standard genre fare, Ballad of a Workman 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 of a Workman features a noteworthy lineup led by Hideko Takamine . Supported by the likes of Keiji Sada and Yoshiko Kuga , 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 of a Workman (1962) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Ballad of a Workman Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ballad of a Workman is a Drama 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 of a Workman Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ballad of a Workman 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 of a Workman reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ballad of a Workman?
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 of a Workman
- Hideko Takamine – Torae Nonaka
- Keiji Sada – Yoshio Nonaka, Torae's husband
- Yoshiko Kuga – Chiyo
- Chieko Baisho – Miyoko Ishikawa, Toshiyuki's girlfriend
- Toyozō Yamamoto – Toshiyuki Nonaka, Torae's son
Top Highlights
Hideko TakamineTorae Nonaka
Keiji SadaYoshio Nonaka, Torae's husband
Yoshiko KugaChiyo
Chieko BaishoMiyoko Ishikawa, Toshiyuki's girlfriend
Toyozō YamamotoToshiyuki Nonaka, Torae's son
Kiyoshi NonomuraMr. Mochizuki
Kin SugaiMrs. Mochizuki
Teruko KishiYoshio's mother
Toranosuke OgawaYoshio's father
Takeshi Sakamoto
Where to Watch Ballad of a Workman Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Ballad of a Workman has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, Ballad of a Workman stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1962 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ballad of a Workman movie hit or flop?
Ballad of a Workman has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Ballad of a Workman worth watching?
Ballad of a Workman is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Ballad of a Workman online?
Ballad of a Workman is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel depending on your region.
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