Is Never Give Up Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Never Give Up is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 143 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Never Give Up Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1978, Never Give Up emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Action, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Special forces officer Ajisawa leaves his paramilitary group to take care of his newly-adopted daughter, Yoriko: the sole survival of a bloodbath for which he is responsible. Unlike standard genre fare, Never Give Up 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 Never Give Up features a noteworthy lineup led by Ken Takakura . Supported by the likes of Ryoko Nakano and Hiroko Yakushimaru , 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 Never Give Up (1978) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Never Give Up Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Never Give Up is a Drama, Action, Thriller 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.
Never Give Up Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Never Give Up attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 Never Give Up reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Never Give Up?
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 Never Give Up
- Ken Takakura – Takeshi Ajisawa
- Ryoko Nakano – Tomoko Ochi / Misako
- Hiroko Yakushimaru – Yoriko Nagai
- Rentaro Mikuni – Kazunari Ohba
- Isao Natsuyagi – Detective Kitano
Top Highlights
Ken TakakuraTakeshi Ajisawa
Ryoko NakanoTomoko Ochi / Misako
Hiroko YakushimaruYoriko Nagai
Rentaro MikuniKazunari Ohba
Isao NatsuyagiDetective Kitano
Takahiro TamuraUrakawa, pressman
Richard AndersonUS green beret officer
Shinsuke AshidaSakamoto, head of the Defense Agency
Moeko EzawaHiromi, Bar hostess
Hajime HanaLieutenant Muranaga
Where to Watch Never Give Up Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Hulu
U-NEXT
KADOKAWA channel Amazon Channel
BS10 STAR CHANNEL EX Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV
Google Play MoviesParents Guide & Age Rating
Never Give Up has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Action, Thriller), it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, Never Give Up stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Never Give Up movie hit or flop?
Never Give Up has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Never Give Up worth watching?
Never Give Up is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Action, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Never Give Up online?
Never Give Up is currently available for streaming on Hulu. You can also check for it on platforms like Hulu, U-NEXT, KADOKAWA channel Amazon Channel, BS10 STAR CHANNEL EX Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
