
March Comes In Like a Lion
2017

Representation Score
Fair
2016
Director
Yoshitaka Mori
Runtime
124 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetNew Showbiz Analysis
Satoshi: A Move for Tomorrow is a specialized biographical drama that prioritizes historical and cultural authenticity. It succeeds by providing a dignified, nuanced portrayal of a life lived under extreme physical duress. However, the film remains anchored in traditional social structures, offering limited engagement in the subversion of gender, sexual, or racial hierarchies, focusing instead on a localized, culturally specific experience. The film's primary impact comes from its empathetic handling of the human condition and the intersection of passion and biological challenge.
Category Breakdown
The film focuses on professional Shogi rivalry and familial bonds. There are no queer romantic arcs or representations of non-binary genders, keeping the narrative within conventional frameworks.
The story centers on the male experience of competition and terminal illness. While maternal support is present, the film does not actively challenge traditional gender roles or give significant control to female characters.
As a Japanese production about a Shogi master, the cast and setting are ethnically homogeneous. The film operates within a culturally specific context rather than utilizing diverse casting.
The narrative prioritizes traditional values like familial devotion and mentorship. It avoids religious dogma, focusing instead on the individual's struggle against biological destiny and the pursuit of legacy.
The film offers a nuanced portrayal of chronic, intractable illness. It centers the protagonist's ability to drive the story as he navigates professional peaks while physically declining, avoiding reductive clichés.
Present on Screen
Limited or Absent
Official Synopsis
Satoshi Murayama, the shogi (Japanese chess) master known as the arch-rival of Yoshiharu Habu, the shogi genius of the century, died of an intractable disease at age 29. Satoshi devoted his life to fighting not only the disease but also his rivals, feverishly pursuing the highest title, at risk to his life. Director Yoshitaka Mori (Hyakuhachi (2008), Space Brothers (2012)) depicts Murayama's true struggling life, full of love from his parents and teacher, based on the non-fiction novel written by Yoshio Osaki. Kenichi Matsuyama intensely portrays Satoshi and physically embodies the character.

2017

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