In his late life, commentators felt embarrassed by Ichikawa's ever-lasting style which was incongruous for the master and by his willingness to work on TV and entertainment films.
後期には巨匠らしからぬ変幻自在な作風や、テレビや娯楽映画も厭わずにこなす姿勢への批評家側の戸惑いがあった。