Tom Selleck has been for most of his career a box office bust. Even though this movie did not score a home run with movie goers, it is still a nicely done film. It doesn't play down Japanese stereotypes, as the writers of this film did their homework on life in Japan. I used to watch Japanese baseball, and I can tell you that the film does a pretty good interpretation. In Japan, the manager of a ball club is more of a nurturing father. It's also more like work than sport. Players run fundamental drills all day and talent takes a backseat to skill. The movie is nicely done and Selleck does a good job as selfish, self-centered Jack Elliot. Dennis Haysbert is also nice in the supporting role of Max DuBois (He had enough practice being in baseball movies after being in Major League). Ken Takakura is good as the no-nonsense manager of the club. It's a shame he hasn't done any other American films after this one. Aya Takanashi is also nice as Jack's love interest. If you can, get the video or DVD because the TV version makes some of the most absurd edits and cuts I have seen.
64 Reviews
A "Gaijin" Baseball Player in Japan
romanorum16 July 2015
Jack Elliot (Tom Selleck), former World Series MVP for the New York Yankees, is traded to the Chunichi (Nagoya) Dragons of Japan. Although Elliot is on the downside of his career, he has not lost all of his playing skills. Now the trade doesn't stir well with the drinking, smoking, and womanizing egomaniac. Knowing little about Japanese culture, cuisine, and mannerisms, the gaijin (foreign) Elliot's awful attitudes form the basic plot of this not unlikeable movie. You just know that the American will quickly butt heads with unflappable Dragon manager Uchiyama (Ken Takakura). Meanwhile, as athletes attract attractive woman, Hiroko Uchiyama (Aya Takanashi) will become Elliot's love interest. But Hiroko, who is no bimbo, is an advertising professional who makes commercials for Japanese television. So can the love interest last?
Along the way Elliot would do well to heed the advice of new Dragon teammate Max "Hammer" Dubois (Dennis Haysbert), not a Frenchmen but an African-American. Dubois, earlier traded to the Dragons, had the gumption to learn Japanese ways and some of the language. Fitting in as well as he can, Dubois is resigned to his challenging situation. Conversely, as Elliot is green in Japan, he is accompanied by an interpreter, Yoji Nishimura (Toshi Shioya), who is wise enough to clean up the American's sardonic comments for the Japanese press. Overall, the movie does well in depicting the Japanese sports culture: manager-player interaction, the fanfare of the large crowds (which appear genuine), umpire esteem, corporate pressure on the managers, and the voracious sports media. Also note the importance placed on saving face, which means that certain on-field events are sometimes compromised. The climax involves the big game between the Dragons and their traditional rivals who always seem to beat them, the Yomiuri Giants. Will Elliot find redemption? Watch and find out!
PS: Know that the Japanese certainly love their baseball, and have played it a long time. The sport was introduced in Japan in the late 19th century! In 1934 Manager Connie Mack, Babe Ruth (called "Beibu Rusu"), Lou Gehrig, Charlie Gehringer, Jimmie Foxx, OSS spy Moe Berg, and other Major League Baseball all-stars visited and were greeted by huge and enthusiastic crowds.
Along the way Elliot would do well to heed the advice of new Dragon teammate Max "Hammer" Dubois (Dennis Haysbert), not a Frenchmen but an African-American. Dubois, earlier traded to the Dragons, had the gumption to learn Japanese ways and some of the language. Fitting in as well as he can, Dubois is resigned to his challenging situation. Conversely, as Elliot is green in Japan, he is accompanied by an interpreter, Yoji Nishimura (Toshi Shioya), who is wise enough to clean up the American's sardonic comments for the Japanese press. Overall, the movie does well in depicting the Japanese sports culture: manager-player interaction, the fanfare of the large crowds (which appear genuine), umpire esteem, corporate pressure on the managers, and the voracious sports media. Also note the importance placed on saving face, which means that certain on-field events are sometimes compromised. The climax involves the big game between the Dragons and their traditional rivals who always seem to beat them, the Yomiuri Giants. Will Elliot find redemption? Watch and find out!
PS: Know that the Japanese certainly love their baseball, and have played it a long time. The sport was introduced in Japan in the late 19th century! In 1934 Manager Connie Mack, Babe Ruth (called "Beibu Rusu"), Lou Gehrig, Charlie Gehringer, Jimmie Foxx, OSS spy Moe Berg, and other Major League Baseball all-stars visited and were greeted by huge and enthusiastic crowds.
Hard not to like Tom Selleck.
apboy27 May 2004
Warning: Spoilers
I never figured out why Tom Selleck didn't do better in the movies. He was excellent in Three Men and a Baby and this performance goes at least a little bit beyond the "playing Tom Selleck" thing. I could say more if the ABC Family Channel hadn't cut a 108-minute movie to fit a one-hour time slot. It was like watching an extended trailer. I guess ABC assumes its viewers have short attention spans, or felt it was really, really important to get a rerun of "Whose Line It It, Anyway?" into the schedule. P.s. The last scene where Mr. Baseball has caught on with the Detroit Tigers is a hoot. If you know how wretched the Tigers have been in the decade-plus since this movie came out, you'd think management would have hired Tom Selleck just to sell some tickets.
Actually, a very very good film.
LydiaOLydia26 June 2001
I lived in Japan at around the period in which this film is set, and I must say--this film does an OUTSTANDING job of capturing the "feel" of what Japan was like. Unfortunately, the accuracy of this is not appreciated by most viewers. Whoever chose the shots and locations really understood Japan well.
The movie itself should rate among the best baseball movies EVER, but doesn't because it's not about American baseball. Take "field of dreams" or whatever. That basically boils down to some plot contrivance about ghosts and whatnot and is only REALLY about the game at a very superficial level (despite pretentions otherwise). This one has an intelligent and realistic view of many aspects of the game--clubhouse behavior, on-field action, player-manager interactions, the business of sports, and so on. If you're into baseball movies, view this one--and if you don't like it, I challenge you to find ONE other baseball movie that does as well as capturing so many aspects of the game intelligently with a minimum of sap.
Characterizations in this movie: yes, we all know that by the end of the movie the Tom Selleck character will do something to redeem himself. In this regard, except for one interesting plot nuance (not really a twist), the plot itself is straightforward. But the characters all stand on their own--I dont think there is a single bad characterization there with the possible over-stereotyped American agent. From Yoji the interpreter through the teammates who are Japanese jocks to the strong female love interest.. well.. let's put it this way.. if you still think all Japanese look and act alike, see this movie.
Clearly this isn't the best movie ever made, but I really like it on a lot of levels enough that on a scale of one to ten, I honestly have to give it a 10 (and I rate a lot of movies poorly). You probably won't like it quite that much, but I think you will enjoy it--whether you are male OR female, by the way. Definately a good rent.
The movie itself should rate among the best baseball movies EVER, but doesn't because it's not about American baseball. Take "field of dreams" or whatever. That basically boils down to some plot contrivance about ghosts and whatnot and is only REALLY about the game at a very superficial level (despite pretentions otherwise). This one has an intelligent and realistic view of many aspects of the game--clubhouse behavior, on-field action, player-manager interactions, the business of sports, and so on. If you're into baseball movies, view this one--and if you don't like it, I challenge you to find ONE other baseball movie that does as well as capturing so many aspects of the game intelligently with a minimum of sap.
Characterizations in this movie: yes, we all know that by the end of the movie the Tom Selleck character will do something to redeem himself. In this regard, except for one interesting plot nuance (not really a twist), the plot itself is straightforward. But the characters all stand on their own--I dont think there is a single bad characterization there with the possible over-stereotyped American agent. From Yoji the interpreter through the teammates who are Japanese jocks to the strong female love interest.. well.. let's put it this way.. if you still think all Japanese look and act alike, see this movie.
Clearly this isn't the best movie ever made, but I really like it on a lot of levels enough that on a scale of one to ten, I honestly have to give it a 10 (and I rate a lot of movies poorly). You probably won't like it quite that much, but I think you will enjoy it--whether you are male OR female, by the way. Definately a good rent.
A slugger can hit anywhere.
michaelRokeefe1 April 2004
Even if you are not a baseball fan, you will enjoy MR. BASEBALL. An aging Major League home run slugger Jack Elliot(Tom Selleck)is traded to the Dragons, a favorite ball team in Japan. American ballplayers are treated like rock 'n' roll stars in Japan and Jack is no exception. The American slugger has trouble fitting into the eastern society and thanks to his interpreter(Kosuke Toyohara)he doesn't completely alienate himself. Another American player "Hammer" Dubois(Dennis Haysbert)tries to help big Jack fit in, but of course the Dragon's new home run hitter is pretty hard headed.
Elliot finds himself in his coach's(Ken Takakura)doghouse more often than not. The team finds him easy to dislike. Unknowingly he finds romance with the coach's daughter(Aya Takanashi)and that is just part of the humor found in this likable and short of heartwarming movie. Most of the humor comes from Jack's interpreter. Selleck fits the role pretty well. Ted Danson would have been another good choice for the role, but Selleck provides enough arrogance to carry it off. Not a total waste of time, but there is doubts about a double header. Twice is enough for me.
Elliot finds himself in his coach's(Ken Takakura)doghouse more often than not. The team finds him easy to dislike. Unknowingly he finds romance with the coach's daughter(Aya Takanashi)and that is just part of the humor found in this likable and short of heartwarming movie. Most of the humor comes from Jack's interpreter. Selleck fits the role pretty well. Ted Danson would have been another good choice for the role, but Selleck provides enough arrogance to carry it off. Not a total waste of time, but there is doubts about a double header. Twice is enough for me.
Well worth the 8 bucks I paid for it
eyedunno-221 October 2000
Most of the comments here have talked about how this movie is a good one for baseball fans, which is true, but it's also a fantastic film for Japanese culture buffs. I picked this up on DVD for just under $8 at K-Mart, and, even as someone who is not a big baseball fan, I found it charming. This may well be Tom Selleck's best role ever, and the other characters are very engaging and funny as well. The music is quite good too.
Good but Selleck's character is a bit tough to believe!
planktonrules20 March 2017
"Mr. Baseball" is a pretty good film and it is enjoyable to watch. However, the main character, Jack (Tom Selleck) is rather unrealistic and if his character had been toned down just a bit, I think it would have been a better film.
When the film begins, Jack is playing in the major leagues for the New York Yankees. However, despite being a star in the past, his last season was terrible and he is now about to be released. But no other American team wants him because he's overpaid, arrogant and not performing. His only option...play ball in Japan. But his road to success is VERY bumpy...much of it because the culture is so different and because Jack is an obnoxious idiot! Can Jack learn to be a little less 'Jack' and manage to make a success of it?
As I said, Jack is a character that comes off poorly...entertaining to watch but also one dimensional and cartoonish. Of course life will be difficult for a major leaguer to move to Japan...but not THIS much because his character does NOTHING to try to learn Japanese customs or fit in with the team. Perhaps the filmmakers thought they needed to exaggerate all this...I think toning him down a bit would have been wiser. Still, it is worth watching....warts and all.
When the film begins, Jack is playing in the major leagues for the New York Yankees. However, despite being a star in the past, his last season was terrible and he is now about to be released. But no other American team wants him because he's overpaid, arrogant and not performing. His only option...play ball in Japan. But his road to success is VERY bumpy...much of it because the culture is so different and because Jack is an obnoxious idiot! Can Jack learn to be a little less 'Jack' and manage to make a success of it?
As I said, Jack is a character that comes off poorly...entertaining to watch but also one dimensional and cartoonish. Of course life will be difficult for a major leaguer to move to Japan...but not THIS much because his character does NOTHING to try to learn Japanese customs or fit in with the team. Perhaps the filmmakers thought they needed to exaggerate all this...I think toning him down a bit would have been wiser. Still, it is worth watching....warts and all.
All Bases Covered!
spookyrat11 January 2019
Mr Baseball is a formula sports film with a strong inter-racial romantic sub-plot. As such it is very predictable; but it's done so well, that you really don't care too much about knowing where you are going before you get there.
It's your basic fish out of water storyline and Tom Selleck is both convincing and entertaining as the first base hitter, traded from the major leagues to a Japanese franchise, where of course he experiences huge issues in adapting to both Japanese cultural life and the Japanese team-styled game.
Good to see the Japanese "undercard" of Ken Takakura, Aya Takanashi andToshi Shioya is given plenty of onscreen time to develop their characters in their own right, with Mr Baseball not just focussing on its title character. In particular I found myself very much looking forward to the scenes highlighting Takanashi's Hiroko's developing relationship with Selleck's Jack Elliot and her later interplay with Takakura's Uchiyama, who is Elliot's manager/coach of the The Dragons baseball team. Realistically, most Japanese characters speak Japanese, which is sub-titled in English, where necessary.
It's interesting that a film surrounding a sport huge in both Japan and North America is directed by Australian Fred Schepisi. Baseball is still a relatively minor sport in Australia. However the sports scenes never lacked any degree of authenticity to this writer and you don't need to be well-versed in the game to get a good feel for what is being played out onscreen.
Hope it's not to cheesy to add that Mr Baseball hits a home run in all departments.
It's your basic fish out of water storyline and Tom Selleck is both convincing and entertaining as the first base hitter, traded from the major leagues to a Japanese franchise, where of course he experiences huge issues in adapting to both Japanese cultural life and the Japanese team-styled game.
Good to see the Japanese "undercard" of Ken Takakura, Aya Takanashi andToshi Shioya is given plenty of onscreen time to develop their characters in their own right, with Mr Baseball not just focussing on its title character. In particular I found myself very much looking forward to the scenes highlighting Takanashi's Hiroko's developing relationship with Selleck's Jack Elliot and her later interplay with Takakura's Uchiyama, who is Elliot's manager/coach of the The Dragons baseball team. Realistically, most Japanese characters speak Japanese, which is sub-titled in English, where necessary.
It's interesting that a film surrounding a sport huge in both Japan and North America is directed by Australian Fred Schepisi. Baseball is still a relatively minor sport in Australia. However the sports scenes never lacked any degree of authenticity to this writer and you don't need to be well-versed in the game to get a good feel for what is being played out onscreen.
Hope it's not to cheesy to add that Mr Baseball hits a home run in all departments.
A Predicable, Disposable yet Fun Film
gavin69427 August 2006
If you want a movie that makes you think differently or leaves a lasting impression on you, you're not looking for Mr. Baseball. If you're looking for a light and fun romp through the land of Japanese baseball hosted by Magnum, P.I. himself... this is the film you've been searching for.
That's it. Tom Selleck, playing baseball... in Japan. Nothing shocking here. I mean, I could try to say it was like the humorous, less dramatic version of "Lost in Translation"... but that would be giving it too much credit.
If you see this film on the USA Network, it might be worth the trouble to stay on the couch a while. It pokes fun at how different Japan is from America (see, now I'm segueing into that "Lost in Translation" bit...) with little men living in little showers eating little meals.
And, um, if you don't catch on to the "twist" before it happens, you're incredibly dense or haven't seen one of the ten thousand other films that use the same gimmick.
That's it. Tom Selleck, playing baseball... in Japan. Nothing shocking here. I mean, I could try to say it was like the humorous, less dramatic version of "Lost in Translation"... but that would be giving it too much credit.
If you see this film on the USA Network, it might be worth the trouble to stay on the couch a while. It pokes fun at how different Japan is from America (see, now I'm segueing into that "Lost in Translation" bit...) with little men living in little showers eating little meals.
And, um, if you don't catch on to the "twist" before it happens, you're incredibly dense or haven't seen one of the ten thousand other films that use the same gimmick.
Feel good movie
SnoopyStyle30 September 2013
Jack Elliott (Tom Selleck) used to be a great baseball player. Now he's an apathetic over the hill slugger who's bigger in his own mind. One day he's dumped onto the Chunichi Dragons of the Japanese Central baseball league. There he falls for his liaison Aya Takahashi, and learns from her father the coach (Ken Takakura). Dennis Haysbert plays the only other American on the team.
It's a well done rom-com. Plus it's a well done redemption film. The clichés and the formulas are all here. And they're all expertly done by Fred Schepisi.
Tom Selleck is perfect as the aging baseball player. Not only does he look the part, he projects that sense of entitlement and was able to grow the character to his redemption. This has all the elements of a feel good movie.
It's a well done rom-com. Plus it's a well done redemption film. The clichés and the formulas are all here. And they're all expertly done by Fred Schepisi.
Tom Selleck is perfect as the aging baseball player. Not only does he look the part, he projects that sense of entitlement and was able to grow the character to his redemption. This has all the elements of a feel good movie.
Memorable, But 'Ugly'
ccthemovieman-111 April 2007
I saw this 15 years ago in the theater and while I never had the desire to see it again, it always stuck with me. Maybe that's because (1) I love baseball; (2) hate to see arrogant ballplayers; and (3) cringe if I see someone not representing my country in a positive light. That's what you get in this film as Tom Selleck plays a crude, profane, "ugly American" ballplayer who's talents have been outlived in the Major Leagues and he's now relegated to play in Japan. (Ironically, Japan is just starting to make some inroads the other way around, especially with Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Red Sox.)
Anyway, "Jack Elliott" (Selleck) pouts his way around Japan until he gets involved in a romance, which is portrayed somewhat stupidly and leads to a predictable ending. Other characters in here were interesting to watch, such as the stern manager, played by Ken Takakura. One of the other American players has turned out to be a star in his own right, acting-wise: Dennis Haybert of "24" and now "The Unit."
There are a lot better baseball movies out there, but you could do worse, too. It was okay, but as an American, I get to see enough arrogant pro athletes play here every day. All I have to do is turn on the TV.
Anyway, "Jack Elliott" (Selleck) pouts his way around Japan until he gets involved in a romance, which is portrayed somewhat stupidly and leads to a predictable ending. Other characters in here were interesting to watch, such as the stern manager, played by Ken Takakura. One of the other American players has turned out to be a star in his own right, acting-wise: Dennis Haybert of "24" and now "The Unit."
There are a lot better baseball movies out there, but you could do worse, too. It was okay, but as an American, I get to see enough arrogant pro athletes play here every day. All I have to do is turn on the TV.
Really enjoyable.
lethalweasel10 November 2001
A lot of the comments seem to treat this film as a baseball movie, but I feel this is only secondary. It's really about living in Japan, and it really succeeds.
I spent a few years living in Japan, and I suppose the reason that this movie didn't do too well is that you sort of have to have experienced Japan to get it. I was watching this with a well-travelled friend who's never been to Japan, and he noted that many of the events in the movie were so ludicrous that they destroyed the suspension of disbelief. My reply was that those events were the absolute unvarnished truth about life in Japan!
I think that this movie is definitely worth watching, especially if you've lived in Japan or are interested in it.
I spent a few years living in Japan, and I suppose the reason that this movie didn't do too well is that you sort of have to have experienced Japan to get it. I was watching this with a well-travelled friend who's never been to Japan, and he noted that many of the events in the movie were so ludicrous that they destroyed the suspension of disbelief. My reply was that those events were the absolute unvarnished truth about life in Japan!
I think that this movie is definitely worth watching, especially if you've lived in Japan or are interested in it.
What's next? Somebody going to tell me how to take a crap?
lastliberal15 March 2007
A couple of baseball flicks on tonight. This was the first and, while it is no great picture, it was worth watching.
Tom Selleck plays the predictable Ugly American that thinks he knows it all. He can't accept that, if he really knew it all, he wouldn't have been sent to Japan.
Dennis Haybert from 24, The Unit, Jarhead, and Breach tries to help him realize that he needs to get with the program.
But, it is the manager's daughter that turns him around and , guess what, he starts to be a team player.
Yes, I know that that was so predictable, but is still worth your time. It's no "Natural," but it's OK.
Tom Selleck plays the predictable Ugly American that thinks he knows it all. He can't accept that, if he really knew it all, he wouldn't have been sent to Japan.
Dennis Haybert from 24, The Unit, Jarhead, and Breach tries to help him realize that he needs to get with the program.
But, it is the manager's daughter that turns him around and , guess what, he starts to be a team player.
Yes, I know that that was so predictable, but is still worth your time. It's no "Natural," but it's OK.
If a 5 is "just an okay movie", then this is a tad below it
daisukereds15 January 2021
Generally, I'm a sucker for good Baseball movies.. but this one I felt short and lacking.
It certainly has many elements that would make it great! Like a nice cast of actors (even "Animal" is in it!! albeit for 2 scenes), character being out of place and growth, a competition where the a team gets to show off strategies and improvement, etc.
Yet it feels like it barely delivers. There are no "opponents" (though I liked how all foreigners helped and talked to each other, which is something that would totally happen) or stand out teams (Giants, I guess, but they are mostly "faceless" people with no personality). That might have been a choice and I respect it, because they completely achieved it! Your focus is only on those you "care about", and it's more an internal struggle than external... but that's not baseball.
Anyway, there are movies that feel like they last too long, and you are immersed in the world not wanting it to end. This one is the opposite. It offers little and it feels short.
Anyway, there are movies that feel like they last too long, and you are immersed in the world not wanting it to end. This one is the opposite. It offers little and it feels short.
big hit, happy body!
bobdicks29 April 2000
it's a silly movie. ridiculous jokes abound. but for some reason, i can't help but like jack elliot, nor can i help but enjoying his misadventures in japanese baseball. yes, it's a cheesy love story, and a cheesy inspirational sports story, but it's more than that: it's a story full of ridiculous and funny jokes. from tall men walking through too-small doors to inaccurate translators, this movie has it all for the average comedy fan. don't bother bringing your brain (to be cliche), but be prepared to be taken to the pit of ultimate darkness. i've seen this movie over 50 times.
An aging power hitter with the New York Yankees is traded, getting a final chance to play in Japan.
davidauth8 August 2010
By the time you get to my review, you already know almost all you need to know about this movie. I have been a baseball fan for most of my life, growing up in the Chicago area, and going to many Cubs and White Sox games. And I have seen most of the baseball movies. This one is different and above average, with its strong international cultural component, comparing humanity's only civilized sport in an unknown venue, Japan, with my fading "National Pastime" in the United States. Watching how the Japanese have transformed our sport is unnerving at first, but I eventually relaxed and went with the flow. At least on film, the "Dragons" play on an incredibly ugly dirty field, with people jammed in around wall-to-wall like sardines. In fact, Japanese cultural differences are mostly caused by extreme overpopulation, where every time they turn around, they hit someone. Concealing emotion behind courtesy keeps their world from tipping into total chaos. Luckily, the baseball action looks official, because a lot of the players are retired professionals. Sellick also had some training as a ball player in his past.
The movie is about Tom Sellick's behavioral transformation from "The Ugly American Strikes Out Again" to "The Guy Who Fits In Everywhere Without Needing a Baseball Bat"; with his new fellow jocks, the Type A manager, his love interest, and even the owner/investors. Tom overplays his initial jerk phase, making his realizations about how to succeed in a foreign culture seem less plausible, but emphasizes his cultural evolution. Sellick, an actor with extreme staying power and a new series in 2010, has a universally excellent supporting cast.
Although I have never visited Japan, seeing this movie makes that eventuality less likely. I don't like naked reinforced concrete walls and raw steel, displayed here in abundance. Thanks to our WWII carpet bombing, at least the Japanese don't make their buildings out of wood and paper anymore!
The movie is about Tom Sellick's behavioral transformation from "The Ugly American Strikes Out Again" to "The Guy Who Fits In Everywhere Without Needing a Baseball Bat"; with his new fellow jocks, the Type A manager, his love interest, and even the owner/investors. Tom overplays his initial jerk phase, making his realizations about how to succeed in a foreign culture seem less plausible, but emphasizes his cultural evolution. Sellick, an actor with extreme staying power and a new series in 2010, has a universally excellent supporting cast.
Although I have never visited Japan, seeing this movie makes that eventuality less likely. I don't like naked reinforced concrete walls and raw steel, displayed here in abundance. Thanks to our WWII carpet bombing, at least the Japanese don't make their buildings out of wood and paper anymore!
Reasonably entertaining
grantss30 October 2020
Good for Education, Not for Fun
kingurth1 March 2005
I saw this movie as part of an Anthropology curriculum. We were learning about the differences in Egocentric and Sociocentric personalities, as well as culture shock. Let me just say that for this purpose, this movie is gold. Platinum even, maybe. But as a recreational film, this movie is just average. I didn't enjoy it very much, despite it's educational aspects. Though it was funny at points, this was not enough to outweigh the negatives. Plus, it provides a view of the Japanese that is very Americanized, and almost somewhat inaccurate. The final verdict? I believe that Mr. Baseball is a movie that should be used for educational purposes unless you just happen to be a fanatic about both baseball and Japanese culture.
An Enjoyable Baseball Film
Uriah431 August 2015
"Jack Elliot" (Tom Selleck) is an aging baseball player for the New York Yankees whose career is clearly coming to an end. So when the Yankees acquire a rookie with exceptional talent he is traded to another team-in Japan. Needless to say he is quite unhappy with this new turn of events and firmly believes that another American baseball team will pick him up soon. Unfortunately, the opposing pitchers in Japan have discovered a "hole in his swing" and as a result his batting percentage plummets-as does his chance to sign with a major league team. Now rather than reveal any more of this movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that while this was an enjoyable baseball film it also had some graphic language which didn't necessarily belong in the movie. Even so Tom Selleck put on an excellent performance as did Ken Takakura (as the manager "Uchiyama") along with Toshi Shioya (as Jack's interpreter "Yoji Nishimura"). In any case, all things considered I rate this movie as slightly above average.
Forgettable film
RoseNylan22 August 2010
This film is a different twist on the baseball comedy genre. Here, MLB player Tom Selleck is traded to a Japanese team. Predictably, there is culture clashes as the Japanese do things much different than the way its done in America. As always, there is also a love interest for Selleck in a Japanese commercial agent.
Corny jokes and generally predictable situations make this film a forgettable one. The one bright spot here is the accurate portrayal of the Japanese culture.
Unless you for some reason really love Tom Selleck and his style of humor or the game of baseball(which I do not), skip this film.
Corny jokes and generally predictable situations make this film a forgettable one. The one bright spot here is the accurate portrayal of the Japanese culture.
Unless you for some reason really love Tom Selleck and his style of humor or the game of baseball(which I do not), skip this film.
Lessons about the US from US Movies About Japan
fatcat-7345030 October 2021
1. People from the US hate sushi (raw fish)
2. "Yes" doesn't mean "yes" in Japanese, but "I understand" and people from the US can't understand this
3. People from the US are unprofessional - they never follow orders from their superiors and are never good team players
4. People from the US are loud, obnoxious, opinionated, and violent
Yes, another film about an Ugly American in Japan. All of the usual suspects of clichés are here. He doesn't like sushi, he doesn't want to take off his shoes, he thinks Japan is full of samurais and geishas, he doesn't follow orders from his superiors.
Are Americans really so different from Japanese people that every American who goes to Japan becomes a bull in a china shop? I DOUBT IT.
In short, the fish-out-of-water plot, which is really the lion's share of this film, is composed of such hackneyed bullet points that it's boring to watch by this time.
Tom Selleck probably wasn't the best choice for this role. Magun PI looks mostly like a formal and respectful sort of guy. He looks, talks, and acts like the type of guy to take off his shoes without being prompted, not complain about it - always has!. The film kind of works with it near the end as he becomes more flexible with regards to Japanese customs. He does choo choo along as best he can, though and the performance isn't exactly bad.
The baseball bit isn't the main focus of the story. He's a professional late in his career who's traded to Japan because no US team wants him. There's some montage of him improving or something. He hits a home run. Whoopie.
The rest of the movie is too busy. The romantic subplot tries to cram too much in. She's a career woman, she doesn't feel appreciated, her parents might not approve... It's really not well-developed either. One moment she's a rando who asks him out, the next they're suddenly in love and serious?
The humour is OK. Some scenes are funny, some are too try-hard and fall flat.
I really enjoy movies about modern realistic Japan, especially Japan in the 1980's, but I must say it's getting tiresome to see the same type of stuff over and over again.
Honourable Mentions: The Bad News Bears Go to Japan (1978). Basically the same premise. It's got a great Japanese version of "Take me Out to the Ball Game." It's also mostly not about baseball.
Yes, another film about an Ugly American in Japan. All of the usual suspects of clichés are here. He doesn't like sushi, he doesn't want to take off his shoes, he thinks Japan is full of samurais and geishas, he doesn't follow orders from his superiors.
Are Americans really so different from Japanese people that every American who goes to Japan becomes a bull in a china shop? I DOUBT IT.
In short, the fish-out-of-water plot, which is really the lion's share of this film, is composed of such hackneyed bullet points that it's boring to watch by this time.
Tom Selleck probably wasn't the best choice for this role. Magun PI looks mostly like a formal and respectful sort of guy. He looks, talks, and acts like the type of guy to take off his shoes without being prompted, not complain about it - always has!. The film kind of works with it near the end as he becomes more flexible with regards to Japanese customs. He does choo choo along as best he can, though and the performance isn't exactly bad.
The baseball bit isn't the main focus of the story. He's a professional late in his career who's traded to Japan because no US team wants him. There's some montage of him improving or something. He hits a home run. Whoopie.
The rest of the movie is too busy. The romantic subplot tries to cram too much in. She's a career woman, she doesn't feel appreciated, her parents might not approve... It's really not well-developed either. One moment she's a rando who asks him out, the next they're suddenly in love and serious?
The humour is OK. Some scenes are funny, some are too try-hard and fall flat.
I really enjoy movies about modern realistic Japan, especially Japan in the 1980's, but I must say it's getting tiresome to see the same type of stuff over and over again.
Honourable Mentions: The Bad News Bears Go to Japan (1978). Basically the same premise. It's got a great Japanese version of "Take me Out to the Ball Game." It's also mostly not about baseball.
stranded at third
metalrox_200025 May 2005
I kind of had somewhat high expectations for this movie. I've always thought that Tom Selleck's lesser known movies (ie Runaway and Coma), where well above the ones he had more press for. Maybe the producers should have had a little more knowledge about former major league baseball players who became stars overseas. The majority were players too good for triple a baseball, but not exactly major league matériel. I admire the idea of putting Selle's's character in Japn, versus the cliché of having play in the minors. Sad to say, this movie, much like the title of the post, is stranded at third by a movie that seems to be running on autopilot. I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel, and hopefully, the producers would learn from the mistakes. The premise is just way too unique to be left alone with this uneven flick
Heartwarming drama hiding within sports comedy "lite"
David Spalding5 January 2002
MR. BASEBALL is a film of paradoxes. Written and filmed as a "light, sports comedy" it truly has a heartwarming core as human and universal as some of Capra's finest. At the plot level, you have the paradox of baseball, a fine old American game, as it is played in Japan - turned around, with American values cast off and Japanese values imprinted upon the game. (Some of the superficial "sports comedy" results from Jack's uncomprehending disbelief at how "basa-boru" is played in Japan.) You also have a lead character who's presented as an over-the-hill, aging baseball star, but who is actually quite immature - pro ball allowed him to postpone growing up. And you have a lead character who is rudely resistant to the changes in his life that are being forced upon him, refusing to accept the curveball that life has given him, in the midst of a new country, a new manager, a new team, and a new girlfriend, who have all welcomed him and try to accept him. Sound like heavy stuff? Not really. It's a charming "clash of cultures" comedy that takes place on the national, sports, romantic, and professional levels. But if you watch it sensitively enough, you will also find a great story about a man who has to abandon his immaturity and grow up way too late in life (causing some amount of personal pain), and finds success in places he never expected it. I love the story, but I also have great respect for Selleck's performance; he bares his tush (literally) to portray an ugly American, insulting people and throwing tantrums in public, then lets us inside this character to understand his dismay. It also doesn't hurt if you're a big fan of Takakura Ken like I am. MR. BASEBALL is a surprising "loss of innocence" tale.
Mr. Baseball
phubbs10 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
In all honesty this movie looked very much like a 'Major League' clone judging by the title and poster, hell they even cast Dennis Haysbert who played the menacing Pedro Cerrano in that movie. So is this a crazy kamikaze comedy with over the top characters, wacky situations and foul language? well no actually.Believe it or not this is actually a sensible light-hearted romcom which showcases the cultural differences between Japan and their baseball traditions, and America and their baseball traditions.
Tom Selleck plays the obligatory aged fading baseball star who is transferred to Japan to play professional baseball whilst also becoming the clubs poster boy. Naturally Selleck's character is against this move and has a hard time getting to grips with the cultural differences both on and off the ballpark. Spoiler alert (as if you need it)...eventually he comes around with the help of his new love interest and helps the team...well I'm sure you can guess.
Yes the tale is a predictable one that has been covered by virtually every sports flick ever, but that's not the point of the movie. The main point here is providing an insight into Japanese culture and how they play and watch the game of baseball, its like the sport version of 'Lost in Translation'...almost. Just like that film this story delves deep into the Japanese traditions, routines and rituals that make up their sport, how the Japanese made baseball their own. This naturally provides many giggles with Selleck's big bold brash arrogant cowboy-like character stepping on many toes and accidentally insulting everyone or harking bad luck. Its not all giggles though as we see much of Nagoya and its surrounding areas, how Japanese people live in parts and indeed how they watch baseball...munching on bowls of noodle meals with lots of colourful fanfare mainly. Its actually very interesting and I enjoyed watching these segments, being interested in Japan helps I guess.
For me the one thing I didn't really like was Selleck's character. I realise this guy is suppose to be a cocky hotshot star player and the whole point of the movie is to have him be a jackass...but boy is he an unlikable jackass! He obviously doesn't take the Japanese game seriously and treats the players, staff, media and coach with disrespect, this of course sets up the plot twist midway through. But generally I found his character to be whiny, rude and obnoxious, he never even gives the Japanese culture a chance, he constantly takes the p*ss and ignores the rules. Now lets be serious here, I know this is just a movie but I think even the most arrogant player/person wouldn't really act like this from day one. Sure over time people could lose their rag under strange circumstances, under stress with different cultures in a foreign land, but I think most would give it a shot and at least be polite to a degree to start with sheesh!
The fact that he doesn't like anything about Japan and constantly moans about how he hates it even though he's a popular sports icon earning money just makes him unlikable in my book. Sure its a come down for this character but he's still treated like a star and everything is provided for him, not too shabby really.
Anywho apart from the bitchy Jack Elliot (Selleck) the other cast members are very good and add much gravitas to this soppy tale. The best of these easily being Ken Takakura as the clichéd hard nosed team coach who must put up with Elliot's sulky behaviour. Think of this guy as a Mr. Miyagi type character, he doesn't say much, grunts a lot, looks very serious and stern all the time, hides a few tricks and in the end wins your heart (much more so than Selleck's character). The film isn't as clichéd as you'd think at times, there is the slimy ponytailed agent of Elliot who you'd swear blind will turn out to be the bad guy and somehow screw Elliot over...well you'd be wrong.
Its definitely a solid movie and its nice to see baseball through the eyes of another country even though there aren't too many outside of the US to choose from. The baseball sequences are visually pleasing and realistic whilst the action is as you would expect with lows followed by a training montage and then highs. The final scene gives you a reasonable adrenaline boost as the entirely predictable plot unravels before your eyes. Relaxing fun from the land of the rising sun, its just a shame about the main character being a complete douche.
6.5/10
Tom Selleck plays the obligatory aged fading baseball star who is transferred to Japan to play professional baseball whilst also becoming the clubs poster boy. Naturally Selleck's character is against this move and has a hard time getting to grips with the cultural differences both on and off the ballpark. Spoiler alert (as if you need it)...eventually he comes around with the help of his new love interest and helps the team...well I'm sure you can guess.
Yes the tale is a predictable one that has been covered by virtually every sports flick ever, but that's not the point of the movie. The main point here is providing an insight into Japanese culture and how they play and watch the game of baseball, its like the sport version of 'Lost in Translation'...almost. Just like that film this story delves deep into the Japanese traditions, routines and rituals that make up their sport, how the Japanese made baseball their own. This naturally provides many giggles with Selleck's big bold brash arrogant cowboy-like character stepping on many toes and accidentally insulting everyone or harking bad luck. Its not all giggles though as we see much of Nagoya and its surrounding areas, how Japanese people live in parts and indeed how they watch baseball...munching on bowls of noodle meals with lots of colourful fanfare mainly. Its actually very interesting and I enjoyed watching these segments, being interested in Japan helps I guess.
For me the one thing I didn't really like was Selleck's character. I realise this guy is suppose to be a cocky hotshot star player and the whole point of the movie is to have him be a jackass...but boy is he an unlikable jackass! He obviously doesn't take the Japanese game seriously and treats the players, staff, media and coach with disrespect, this of course sets up the plot twist midway through. But generally I found his character to be whiny, rude and obnoxious, he never even gives the Japanese culture a chance, he constantly takes the p*ss and ignores the rules. Now lets be serious here, I know this is just a movie but I think even the most arrogant player/person wouldn't really act like this from day one. Sure over time people could lose their rag under strange circumstances, under stress with different cultures in a foreign land, but I think most would give it a shot and at least be polite to a degree to start with sheesh!
The fact that he doesn't like anything about Japan and constantly moans about how he hates it even though he's a popular sports icon earning money just makes him unlikable in my book. Sure its a come down for this character but he's still treated like a star and everything is provided for him, not too shabby really.
Anywho apart from the bitchy Jack Elliot (Selleck) the other cast members are very good and add much gravitas to this soppy tale. The best of these easily being Ken Takakura as the clichéd hard nosed team coach who must put up with Elliot's sulky behaviour. Think of this guy as a Mr. Miyagi type character, he doesn't say much, grunts a lot, looks very serious and stern all the time, hides a few tricks and in the end wins your heart (much more so than Selleck's character). The film isn't as clichéd as you'd think at times, there is the slimy ponytailed agent of Elliot who you'd swear blind will turn out to be the bad guy and somehow screw Elliot over...well you'd be wrong.
Its definitely a solid movie and its nice to see baseball through the eyes of another country even though there aren't too many outside of the US to choose from. The baseball sequences are visually pleasing and realistic whilst the action is as you would expect with lows followed by a training montage and then highs. The final scene gives you a reasonable adrenaline boost as the entirely predictable plot unravels before your eyes. Relaxing fun from the land of the rising sun, its just a shame about the main character being a complete douche.
6.5/10
Weak comedy with redundant culture clash theme. (spoilers)
vertigo_145 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Mr. Baseball is probably saved from status as a total strikeout thanks to the charm that Tom Selleck emits as the aging baseball player traded to a Japanese team. This one was released several years after Ron Howard's 'Gung Ho,' which explores the differences in American and Japanese work ethic in the story of a Japanese company taking over a Midwestern auto plant.
The theme is the same, but the situation here is obviously a little different. Selleck's character after a less-than-average career game is sent to Japan to play on a team of both Japanese and other exiled American ballplayers. His contempt for his situation and expectations that he will soon enough be playing in the states again does not make for an easy adjustment. He especially grows impatient with the overabundance of rules and work ethic that turn potentially good players into athletes who are reluctant to show off their skills because of fear of disrespecting some superior or symbolic notion. And, Selleck's attempts to ignore this or call attention to it only furthers the rift between he and the stern team manager. Of course, when Selleck unwittingly starts dating the manager's daughter, she plays the go-between who tries to create this understanding among the two and essentially, close this culture gap through a compromise between the stubborn ballplayer and the equally stubborn manager, and soon between the team and the traditions that get in the way of a good game.
There is something here, however, that makes this film a particularly weak one, as far as feeling and believability. Selleck does have his usual sly humor and charm that is probably best compared to his character in the Three Men and a Baby Series. But, it is perhaps for lack of truly funny moments like those in Gung Ho that make this more of a forgettable than memorable baseball film or even as one from the culture clash genre.
The theme is the same, but the situation here is obviously a little different. Selleck's character after a less-than-average career game is sent to Japan to play on a team of both Japanese and other exiled American ballplayers. His contempt for his situation and expectations that he will soon enough be playing in the states again does not make for an easy adjustment. He especially grows impatient with the overabundance of rules and work ethic that turn potentially good players into athletes who are reluctant to show off their skills because of fear of disrespecting some superior or symbolic notion. And, Selleck's attempts to ignore this or call attention to it only furthers the rift between he and the stern team manager. Of course, when Selleck unwittingly starts dating the manager's daughter, she plays the go-between who tries to create this understanding among the two and essentially, close this culture gap through a compromise between the stubborn ballplayer and the equally stubborn manager, and soon between the team and the traditions that get in the way of a good game.
There is something here, however, that makes this film a particularly weak one, as far as feeling and believability. Selleck does have his usual sly humor and charm that is probably best compared to his character in the Three Men and a Baby Series. But, it is perhaps for lack of truly funny moments like those in Gung Ho that make this more of a forgettable than memorable baseball film or even as one from the culture clash genre.
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