Is NOBUNAGA -The Will to Power- Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2016, NOBUNAGA -The Will to Power- represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Japan is at war with itself. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema 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: "Japan is at war with itself. At Okehazama, Oda Nobunaga of Owari, rumored to be a fool, spectacularly defeated Imagawa Yoshimoto of Mikawa as he was leading a much larger host than Nobunaga's toward the capital city, Miyako. Nobunaga has decided to take Yoshimoto's place and lead his own forces to Miyako, so he is compelled to ally with the Azai clan in order to suppress Mino, a province lying between Owari and Miyako, by having his younger sister Oichi wed Nagamasa, the Azai clan's sucessor. However, Mino is also the birthplace of Nobunaga's wife, Kichou. Her former retainers and people are in Mino, and Kichou is vehemently opposed to the province's destruction, even if it is now in the hands of an enemy who overthrew her father, Saitou Dousan. But Nobunaga, who has embarked upon his path to conquest, holds to his course."

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 Masaki Ryū 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 Oono Takuji 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 150 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 NOBUNAGA -The Will to Power- 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 Modern Cinema, 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, NOBUNAGA -The Will to Power- explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2016 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Oono Takuji 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, NOBUNAGA -The Will to Power- 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 Masaki Ryū or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, NOBUNAGA -The Will to Power- is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.