What Is Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t (1992) About?
“Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” (Shiko funjatta) is a Japanese comedy film directed by Masayuki Suo. The movie revolves around the world of sumo wrestling but approaches it from a comedic angle. It follows the story of a university sumo club that is on the brink of disbandment due to lack of interest and poor performance.
The film’s plot unfolds as a group of misfit students, led by a reluctant and unconventional coach, decides to rejuvenate the club in a last-ditch effort to save it from closure. Despite facing various challenges and ridicule, including skepticism from their peers and the establishment, the team members embark on a journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as they train and compete in the world of sumo wrestling.
“Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” blends humor with themes of friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of passion, offering a lighthearted and entertaining take on the traditional Japanese sport of sumo wrestling. Through its comedic lens, the film also sheds light on the cultural significance of sumo in Japanese society and the dedication required to excel in the sport.
| Title | Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t (Shiko funjatta) |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 1992 |
| Director | Masayuki Suo |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Plot | Revolves around a university sumo club facing disbandment due to lack of interest and poor performance. A group of misfit students, led by a reluctant coach, attempts to rejuvenate the club and save it from closure. The story follows their journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and perseverance as they train and compete in the world of sumo wrestling. |
| Themes | Friendship, perseverance, pursuit of passion, cultural significance of sumo wrestling |
| Tone | Lighthearted, comedic |
What Is the Plot of the Movie?
The plot of “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” revolves around a struggling university sumo club facing the threat of disbandment due to dwindling interest and poor performance. The story follows a group of misfit students who come together to try to revitalize the club in a last-ditch effort to save it.
Led by a reluctant and unconventional coach, the team embarks on a journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as they train and compete in the world of sumo wrestling. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles, including skepticism from their peers and the establishment, but they remain determined to prove themselves.
As the team members undergo rigorous training and participate in competitions, they not only improve their sumo skills but also forge deep bonds with each other. Through their struggles and triumphs, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the importance of pursuing one’s passion.
Ultimately, “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” is a heartwarming comedy that blends humor with themes of dedication, teamwork, and the cultural significance of sumo wrestling in Japanese society. It offers an entertaining and uplifting portrayal of the sport while highlighting the transformative power of shared goals and mutual support.
Reasons to Watch It
“Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” offers a delightful blend of comedy and heartwarming storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of feel-good movies. With its unique setting in the world of sumo wrestling and its inspiring underdog narrative, this film delivers both laughs and valuable life lessons in equal measure.
- Unique Setting:
- The movie offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of sumo wrestling, a traditional Japanese sport with a rich cultural heritage. The setting provides an intriguing backdrop for the story and allows viewers to learn more about the intricacies of sumo.
- Humorous Storyline:
- “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” is a comedy film, filled with witty dialogue, quirky characters, and humorous situations. It offers plenty of laughs while also delivering a heartwarming message about perseverance and friendship.
- Inspiring Underdog Story:
- The movie follows a group of underdogs who defy the odds and come together to save their struggling sumo club. Their journey is both relatable and inspiring, making it easy for viewers to root for them as they overcome obstacles and work towards their goals.
- Positive Messages:
- Beyond its comedic elements, “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” conveys valuable lessons about teamwork, dedication, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions. It encourages viewers to embrace their unique talents and support each other in the pursuit of shared dreams.
- Cultural Insight:
- For those interested in Japanese culture, the film provides an opportunity to explore the traditions and customs associated with sumo wrestling. It offers insights into the sport’s significance within Japanese society and its impact on the lives of those who practice it.
- Feel-Good Entertainment:
- Ultimately, “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” is a feel-good movie that leaves viewers with a sense of warmth and optimism. Whether you’re a fan of sports films, comedies, or heartwarming stories, this movie has something to offer for everyone.
Overall, “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” is an entertaining and uplifting film that promises an enjoyable viewing experience for audiences of all ages.
Is the Movie a Real or Fictional Story?
“Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” is a fictional story. While it is set in the world of sumo wrestling and incorporates elements of the sport’s culture and traditions, the characters, plot, and events depicted in the movie are entirely fictional. The film uses the backdrop of sumo wrestling to tell a comedic and uplifting story about friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of passion.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Setting | Fictional, set in the world of university sumo wrestling |
| Plot | Fictional story about a struggling university sumo club |
| Characters | Fictional, created for the movie |
| Events | Fictional, created for the movie |
| Themes | Friendship, perseverance, pursuit of passion, comedy |
Is It Critically Panned or Acclaimed?
“Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” received generally positive reviews from critics upon its release. While it may not have achieved widespread acclaim on the level of some blockbuster films, it was well-received for its humor, heartwarming story, and unique setting within the world of sumo wrestling. The film’s comedic elements, combined with its positive messages and cultural insights, earned it appreciation from audiences and critics alike. Therefore, it can be considered more as critically acclaimed than panned.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Critical Reception | Generally positive reviews |
| Critical Consensus | Praised for humor, heartwarming story, and unique setting |
| Level of Acclaim | More critically acclaimed than panned |
| Audience Reception | Generally positive |
| Cultural Significance | Provides insights into sumo wrestling culture |
What Does the Movie Explore?
“Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of passion as a group of misfit students come together to save their struggling university sumo club. Through humor and heartwarming moments, the film offers insights into Japanese culture while delivering an uplifting message about the importance of teamwork and resilience.
- Friendship and Camaraderie:
- The movie delves into the bonds formed between the members of the struggling university sumo club. It highlights how friendship and mutual support can help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
- Perseverance and Determination:
- The story emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite facing ridicule and skepticism, the characters in the film demonstrate resilience and determination as they work towards revitalizing the sumo club.
- Pursuit of Passion:
- “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” encourages viewers to pursue their passions and follow their dreams, even when faced with obstacles or opposition. The characters’ dedication to the sport of sumo serves as a testament to the power of pursuing what one loves.
- Cultural Exploration:
- Through its setting in the world of sumo wrestling, the movie provides insights into Japanese culture and traditions. It explores the rituals, customs, and values associated with the sport, offering viewers a deeper understanding of its significance within Japanese society.
- Teamwork and Unity:
- The film underscores the importance of teamwork and unity in achieving success. As the characters come together to train and compete as a team, they learn to trust and rely on each other, ultimately strengthening their bonds and improving their performance.
Overall, “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” offers a nuanced exploration of friendship, perseverance, passion, cultural identity, and the power of teamwork, making it a rich and engaging viewing experience.
Memorable Moments in the Movie
“Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” is filled with memorable moments that capture the essence of the film’s humor, heart, and cultural exploration. Some notable moments include:
- The Unorthodox Training Methods:
- Scenes depicting the unorthodox training methods employed by the coach and the sumo club members often result in comedic and endearing moments. These scenes showcase the characters’ determination and willingness to think outside the box to improve their skills.
- The First Sumo Match:
- The film’s first sumo match, where the inexperienced club members compete against seasoned opponents, is a pivotal moment that showcases both the challenges they face and their tenacity in the face of adversity.
- Bonding Moments:
- Moments of camaraderie and friendship among the club members, such as shared meals, training sessions, and supportive gestures, highlight the close-knit relationships that develop throughout the film.
- Cultural Traditions:
- Scenes that explore the rich cultural traditions associated with sumo wrestling, including rituals such as the dohyō-iri (ring-entering ceremony) and the symbolic significance of the sumo wrestler’s attire, provide insight into Japanese culture and add depth to the story.
- The Climactic Match:
- The climactic sumo match, where the club members put their training to the test in a high-stakes competition, is a memorable culmination of their journey. This scene encapsulates the themes of perseverance and teamwork while delivering a satisfying and uplifting conclusion to the film.
These moments, among others, contribute to the memorable and enjoyable viewing experience of “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t,” making it a beloved film for audiences around the world.
Streaming Platforms to Watch the Movie From
“Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” may be available for streaming on various platforms depending on your region. Here are some popular streaming platforms where you might find the movie:
- Amazon Prime Video:
- Check if “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” is available for rental, purchase, or included with a Prime Video subscription.
- iTunes/Apple TV:
- You may be able to rent or purchase the movie through the iTunes Store and watch it on Apple TV.
- Google Play Movies & TV:
- Look for the movie on Google Play to rent or buy and watch on various devices.
- YouTube Movies:
- Check if “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” is available for rent or purchase on YouTube Movies.
- Vudu:
- This platform often offers a wide selection of movies for rental or purchase, including “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t.”
- Microsoft Store:
- If you have a device running Windows, you might find the movie available for rent or purchase on the Microsoft Store.
- Netflix/ Hulu/ Disney+:
- While “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” may not be available on these platforms, it’s worth checking periodically as their content libraries change.
- Specialized Streaming Services:
- Explore niche streaming services focused on international or independent films, as they may have “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” in their catalog.
Keep in mind that availability may vary by country, and licensing agreements can change over time. It’s a good idea to check multiple platforms or use a streaming search engine to find the most up-to-date information on where to watch “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” in your region.
