Is Issa Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Issa is likely a skip if you enjoy History movies.
It features a runtime of 125 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Issa Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, Issa emerges as a significant entry in the History, Drama, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Movie depicts the later life of poet Issa Kobayashi. Unlike standard genre fare, Issa attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any History is often anchored by its ensemble, and Issa features a noteworthy lineup led by Lily Franky . Supported by the likes of Tamao Nakamura and Atsushi Ito , 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 Issa (2017) is negative. With an audience rating of NR, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Issa Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Issa is a History, Drama, Family film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Issa Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Issa attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to history 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 history themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Issa reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Issa Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Issa draws heavily from documented historical records. As a history, drama, family 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, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Issa adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Issa?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for History films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Issa
- Lily Franky – Issa
- Tamao Nakamura – Satsu
- Atsushi Ito – Senroku
- Renji Ishibashi – Yagobee
- Nozomi Sasaki – Kiku
Top Highlights
Lily FrankyIssa
Tamao NakamuraSatsu
Atsushi ItoSenroku
Renji IshibashiYagobee
Nozomi SasakiKiku
Asami Mizukawa
Tao Tsuchiya
Eiji Okuda
Kaori Takahashi
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Issa has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Issa stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Issa movie hit or flop?
Issa is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Issa worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Issa may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Issa online?
Issa may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
How Issa Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Issa
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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.
