Is The Ballad of Narayama Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Ballad of Narayama is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 130 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Ballad of Narayama Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1983, The Ballad of Narayama emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In a small village in a valley everyone who reaches the age of 70 must leave the village and go to a certain mountain top to die. Unlike standard genre fare, The Ballad of Narayama attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Ballad of Narayama features a noteworthy lineup led by Ken Ogata . Supported by the likes of Sumiko Sakamoto and Tonpei Hidari , 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 The Ballad of Narayama (1983) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.5/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
The Ballad of Narayama Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Ballad of Narayama 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.
The Ballad of Narayama Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Ballad of Narayama resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of The Ballad of Narayama demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Ballad of Narayama?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
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Full Cast & Crew of The Ballad of Narayama
- Ken Ogata – Tatsuhei
- Sumiko Sakamoto – Orin
- Tonpei Hidari – Risuke
- Aki Takejo – Tamayan
- Shoichi Ozawa – Katsuzô
Top Highlights
Ken OgataTatsuhei
Sumiko SakamotoOrin
Tonpei HidariRisuke
Aki TakejoTamayan
Shoichi OzawaKatsuzô
Fujio TokitaJinsaku
Sanshō ShinsuiZeniya Tadayan
Seiji KurasakiKesakichi
Junko TakadaMatsuyan
Mitsuko BaishoOei
Where to Watch The Ballad of Narayama Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
ARROW🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Ballad of Narayama has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Ballad of Narayama stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1983 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ballad of Narayama movie hit or flop?
The Ballad of Narayama is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.5/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is The Ballad of Narayama worth watching?
Yes, The Ballad of Narayama is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
Where can I watch The Ballad of Narayama online?
The Ballad of Narayama is currently available for streaming on ARROW. You can also check for it on platforms like ARROW depending on your region.
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How The Ballad of Narayama Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Ballad of Narayama
The short review is "life's a bitch, then you die" LOL, that doesn't do this absolutely brilliant film any justice, though. Imamura has crafted a rather sardonic, brutally honest mirror of humans. Like humans, it is both hard to watch, and simultaneously invokes emapthy. Few directors every achieve this level of mastery of the audience's emotions. It holds a well-deserved Palme d'Or. The legend upon which the movie is based is called Ubasute (姥捨て) in Japanese, or "abandoning an old woman". There is no evidence of it ever being a common practice, though it's a persistent myth in Japan. One of the very plain statements of the director, is that Ubasute reflects the way contemporary Western culture treats it's elderly. In the USA, at least, nursing homes substitute for Narayama mountain.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
Browse All Box Office ReportsGlobal Hit-or-Flop VerdictsIs it Worth Watching? GuideIs The Ballad of Narayama Worth Watching?The Ballad of Narayama Box Office VerdictThe Ballad of Narayama Collection & BudgetWhere to Watch The Ballad of Narayama OnlineBest Movies of 1983Top Rated Drama MoviesMore Drama MoviesKen Ogata Movies & Hits
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