Monday Morning Maybe

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Poster for The Grand Master

The Grand Master

Seen it?

1948 | 94 min | Drama

Monday Morning Maybeearly rating

Why it’s a Monday Morning Maybe

With a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Great for people who like stories about real, flawed people. Best on a quiet night when you're in the mood to feel something.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Character-first and patient, at 1 hr 34 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Japanese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1948: an older pace and style.
  • Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.

Shogi, a Japanese form of chess, is a game that requires skill and determination. When poor sandal-maker Sakata decides to pursue his dream of becoming the Shogi Grand Master Champion, everything is at stake – including his family. What will it cost for Sakata to follow his passion?

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    Not enough engagement data yet

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Cast & crew

Directed by Daisuke Itō

  • Tsumasaburō BandōSankichi Sakata
  • Isamu KosugiKikuoka
  • Tatsuo SaitōÔkura
  • Mitsuko MitoKoharu
  • Osamu TakizawaSekine
  • Ryutaro OtomoMôri
  • Miki SanjōTamae
  • Masao MishimaShinzo
  • Ryōsuke KagawaOzawa
  • Kōichi KatsuragiYashiro