The Ballad of Narayama

Name: The Ballad of Narayama
Released: 1958-06-01T00:00:00-04:00

1958 Drama · 1h 38m

In a remote village where food is scarce, elders who reach the age of 70 are carried by their children to the top of a nearby mountain to die in solitude. Orin, a vibrant 69-year-old grandmother, has accepted her fate — but struggles to prepare the rest of her family for the ritual.

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About The Ballad of Narayama

In a remote mountain village plagued by food scarcity, a harsh custom dictates that when family members reach the age of 70, they must be carried to the summit of Narayama mountain to die. Granny Orin, nearing her 70th birthday, prepares to accept her fate, much to the dismay of her widowed son, Tatsuhei, who struggles to reconcile with the impending loss, even as Orin finds him a new wife. Meanwhile, Orin's grandson, Kesa, preoccupied with his girlfriend's pregnancy, selfishly anticipates Orin's departure. Amidst this, the film portrays the ruthless consequences for thieves and the desperation of an abandoned elderly man. Will Orin's spirit of acceptance and love ultimately ennoble her family and teach them to value life even in the face of death?

Movie Trailer

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Cast and Characters

Keisuke Kinoshita directs Kinuyo Tanaka as Orin, the aging matriarch ready to embrace her fate. Teiji Takahashi stars as Tatsuhei, Orin's devoted son torn between duty and love. Yko Mochizuki plays Tamaian, the widow who becomes Tatsuhei's new wife. Seiji Miyaguchi portrays Matayan, a character representative of the unforgiving circumstances, Ynosuke It appears as the village chief, while Ken Mitsuda takes on the role of a villager, adding depth to the ensemble cast. Each actor delivers a compelling performance, bringing to life the complex relationships and emotions that define this powerful story.

What people like about The Ballad of Narayama

Critics have lauded The Ballad of Narayama for its stunning visuals, its bold exploration of difficult themes, and the powerful performances of its cast. Many praise Kinoshita's masterful use of Kabuki elements to create a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience. Reviewers often note the film's ability to provoke thought and emotion, highlighting its enduring relevance and its place as a classic of Japanese cinema.

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Movie Score

76%

Released

June 1, 1958

Director

Keisuke Kinoshita

Cast

Kinuyo Tanaka, Teiji Takahashi, Yūko Mochizuki, Seiji Miyaguchi, Yūnosuke Itō, Ken Mitsuda

Genre

Drama

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