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Animated drama

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (2022): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (2022) movie poster

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko is a 2022 animated drama directed by Ayumu Watanabe, starring Shinobu Ôtake as Nikuko, Cocomi and Natsuki Hanae. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes and earned $1.9 million worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Animated Feature — Independent at the Annie Awards 2022. Critics gave it 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 68 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
91%
worldwide gross
$1.9M
award nomination
1
Echo Score
75
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Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 36m (96 min)
Director
Ayumu Watanabe
Genres
Drama , Comedy , Animation
Original language
Japanese
Studio
GKIDS
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko About?

The premise of Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko without spoilers.

In a lively harbor town, the exuberant Nikuko often embarrasses her daughter Kikuko, who longs for a more subdued existence as she navigates the challenges of middle school. When long-held family secrets emerge, the mother and daughter must confront their conflicting personalities and past struggles. This poignant story explores their complex relationship and the journey towards understanding and acceptance.

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Cast & crew

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko Cast & Characters

Shinobu Ôtake leads the cast as Nikuko, with Cocomi as Kikuko and Natsuki Hanae as Ninomiya. Directed by Ayumu Watanabe; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko

· 6 more
From the director

More from Ayumu Watanabe

More films directed by Ayumu Watanabe, best-rated first: Children of the Sea, Children of the Sea, Space Brothers: Number Zero and The Big First-Grader and the Small Second-Grader.

Full filmography
Ratings

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 68 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in art & craft (83) and weakest in story & flow (62).

75 /100

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko Echo Score Breakdown

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko delivers a warm, visually appealing anime experience that resonates with audiences seeking heartfelt storytelling, though its narrative occasionally meanders. Critics commend the film's artistic flair and nuanced character moments, while noting uneven pacing and occasional tonal missteps. Viewers find the animation striking and the emotional core sincere, yet some express discomfort with certain thematic choices. Overall, the film balances charm with flaws, offering a rewarding yet imperfect viewing encounter.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 83

    In terms of visual craftsmanship, the film excels with a richly detailed animation style and polished scenery. Reviewers highlight the higher‑end anime art and striking imagery that elevate the viewing experience. Minor critiques reference occasional misshapen elements, but overall the production design and animation quality are praised. The artistic execution therefore leaves a strong, positive impression.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When it comes to character and emotional depth, the protagonists are depicted as notably authentic and relatable. Critics observe genuine growing‑pain moments and commend the nuanced portrayal of unconventional family bonds. Some dissent points note uneven character treatment, yet the majority of feedback underscores the effective emotional resonance. The character work thus registers as solidly favorable.

  • Story & Flow 62

    Regarding story and narrative flow, the film presents an earnest coming‑of‑age arc that occasionally feels convoluted. Reviewers appreciate the heartfelt themes but criticize uneven pacing and moments that may only shine in hindsight. The plot’s slice‑of‑life structure contributes both to its charm and to its occasional meandering. Consequently, the storytelling is viewed as mixed, leaning toward modest approval.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    In the sensory domain, the film’s soundscape and visual cohesion receive strong commendation. Observations note a compelling soundtrack that complements the vivid animation and meticulous color palette. While specific musical analysis is limited, the overall sensory experience is described as immersive and cohesive. This consistent audio‑visual synergy supports a high sensory rating.

  • Rewatch Factor 72

    Assessing rewatch value, audiences find the film’s charm and emotional warmth encourage multiple viewings, though narrative irregularities may temper repeat enthusiasm. Positive remarks emphasize the lasting appeal of the animation and character moments, while some viewers cite story unevenness as a deterrent. The balance of enduring allure and minor flaws yields a respectable rewatch factor.

Box office

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko Box Office

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko grossed $1.9 million worldwide. $91,653 came from the US and Canada and $1.8 million (95%) from the rest of the world.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.9M

US & Canada
$91.7K
International
$1.8M
US & Canada 5% Rest of the world 95%
Awards

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko Awards & Nominations

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko earned 1 award nomination, including Best Animated Feature — Independent at the Annie Awards 2022.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko.

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (Gyoko no Nikuko-chan) - Trailer
Cars

Cars in Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko

6 cars on screen, including the Honda Super Cub and the 2001 Honda Life.

All 6 cars
  • Honda Super Cub in Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko Honda Super Cub Minor role
  • 2001 Honda Life in Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko 2001 Honda Life Background role
  • 2006 Mitsubishi i in Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko 2006 Mitsubishi i Background role
  • 1991 Suzuki Carry in Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko 1991 Suzuki Carry Background role
Details

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko Also Known As

14 alternative titles, including “Gyokō no Nikuko-chan” and “Gyokou no Nikuko-chan”.

Also known as
  • Gyokō no Nikuko-chan
  • Gyokou no Nikuko-chan
  • Nikuko of the Fishing Harbor
  • Fortune Favours Lady Nikuko
  • La fortuna sonríe a Lady Nikuko
  • Никуко из Рыбацкой гавани
  • 渔港的肉子酱
  • La fortuna di Nikuko
  • 항구의 니쿠코짱!
  • La chance sourit à madame Nikuko
  • A Sorte da Sra. Nikuko
  • 漁港的肉子
+2 more
  • Нікуко з рибальського містечка
  • מזל מעדיף את גברת ניקוקו

Seen Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko?

FAQ

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko?

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).

When was Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko released?

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko was released on June 2, 2022.

Who directed Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko?

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko was directed by Ayumu Watanabe.

More films by Ayumu Watanabe

Who is in the cast of Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko?

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko stars Shinobu Ôtake as Nikuko, Cocomi as Kikuko and Natsuki Hanae as Ninomiya, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko make at the box office?

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko grossed $1.9 million worldwide ($91,653 domestic, $1.8 million international).

How is Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko rated?

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko has 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, 68 on Metacritic, 72% on TMDB and 3.4/5 on Letterboxd.

Was Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko nominated for any awards?

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko have a post-credit scene?

No. Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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