Is 父と子 市川猿翁・香川照之 Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2013, 父と子 市川猿翁・香川照之 represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary, TV Movie category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The story follows the "father and son", actor Teruyuki Kagawa and his father, Kabuki grandee Ennosuke Ichikawa III (now Enno II, 73), who were once torn apart but, lured by a strange fate, are now trying to reconnect. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, TV Movie are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The story follows the "father and son", actor Teruyuki Kagawa and his father, Kabuki grandee Ennosuke Ichikawa III (now Enno II, 73), who were once torn apart but, lured by a strange fate, are now trying to reconnect. The film follows their 300-day drama. Kagawa's parents divorced when he was a child and he was never allowed to see his father. She has always wondered what her father was like. Kagawa has held on to this thought for some time. Then, in September 2011, she suddenly announced her intention to enter the Kabuki world. Her father, Ennosuke, also attracted attention when he announced his return to the stage eight years after suffering a stroke. Then began their epic days together. Kagawa stayed at home and spent every day practising. His father, Ennosuke, battled with screaming pain and devoted himself to rehabilitation, while at the same time training his son, Kagawa. Father and son are driven by Kabuki, as if they are trying to regain something they have lost."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Teruyuki Kagawa provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by the visionary director is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 58 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is 父と子 市川猿翁・香川照之 truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, TV Movie, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, 父と子 市川猿翁・香川照之 explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2013 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and the visionary director respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, 父と子 市川猿翁・香川照之 is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Teruyuki Kagawa or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, 父と子 市川猿翁・香川照之 is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.