Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Graphic
- propulsive
- flamboyant
- irreverent
- action movie night
- samurai film marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film visually imaginative and entertaining in its action, while noting that its ambitious spectacle and live-action-anime style could feel divisive and underdeveloped.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film combines elaborate digital spectacle with heightened movement and imagery that critics compared to live-action anime.
Goemon learns that Hideyoshi murdered his clan chief and pursues him while opposing an oppressive ruling order.
Goemon uses his thief and ninja abilities to help the poor, echoing the Robin Hood tradition in Japanese folklore.
The story draws on figures and conflicts associated with sixteenth-century Japan while presenting them through fantastical action design.
Films like Goemon, and why
Shinobi: Heart Under Blade
stylized ninja action, historical fantasy, and revenge-driven melodrama
Azumi
high-energy samurai combat, heightened visuals, and tragic loyalty themes
Casshern
anime-influenced spectacle, elaborate costumes, and fantastical martial-arts action
Movie Details
- Director
- Kazuaki Kiriya
- Release Date
- 2009-03-17
- Runtime
- 128 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (137)
Cast
- Yosuke Eguchi
- Ryoko Hirosue
- Takao Osawa
- Jun Kaname
- Mikijiro Hira
- Masatô Ibu
- Tetsuji Tamayama
- Ryo
- Erika Toda
- Eriko Sato
Common questions
- What is Goemon about?
- A legendary ninja thief wages flamboyant war on a treacherous ruler after discovering the truth behind his clan leader’s murder.
- What is Goemon like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Goemon as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Goemon violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Goemon as graphic.
- What did critics think of Goemon?
- Critics broadly found the film visually imaginative and entertaining in its action, while noting that its ambitious spectacle and live-action-anime style could feel divisive and underdeveloped.
- Which films are like Goemon?
- Films with a similar feel include Shinobi: Heart Under Blade, Azumi, and Casshern.
- How long is Goemon?
- Goemon runs 128 minutes.
