The Ballad of Narayama
Originally released in 1958. The Ballad of Narayama is a drama film. directed by Keisuke Kinoshita.
Starring Kinuyo Tanaka, Teiji Takahashi, and Yūko Mochizuki
Synopsis
In Kabuki style, the film tells the story of a remote mountain village where the scarcity of food leads to a voluntary but socially-enforced policy in which relatives carry 70-year-old family members up Narayama mountain to die. Granny Orin is approaching 70, content to embrace her fate. Her widowed son Tatsuhei cannot bear losing his mother, even as she arranges his marriage to a widow his age. Her grandson Kesa, who's girlfriend is pregnant, is selfishly happy to see Orin die. Around them, a family of thieves are dealt with severely, and an old man, past 70, whose son has cast him out, scrounges for food. Will Orin's loving and accepting spirit teach and ennoble her family?
Quick Facts
Release Date
June 1, 1958
67 years ago
Runtime
1h 38m
98 minutes total
User Rating
7.5/10
Great (86 votes)
Language
Japanese
Original language
Country
Japan
Production
Director
Top Cast
Kinuyo Tanaka
as Orin
Teiji Takahashi
as Tatsuhei
Yūko Mochizuki
as Tamayan
Seiji Miyaguchi
as Matayan
Yūnosuke Itō
as Matayan's son
Ken Mitsuda
as Teruyan
Danko Ichikawa
as Kesakichi
Keiko Ogasawara
as Matsu-yan
Eijirō Tōno
as Messenger
Kō Nishimura
as One of the villagers who Teaches Narayama's Manners (uncredited)
Production Details
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- JA
Production Companies
- Shochiku
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Ballad of Narayama about?
In Kabuki style, the film tells the story of a remote mountain village where the scarcity of food leads to a voluntary but socially-enforced policy in which relatives carry 70-year-old family membe...
Who directed The Ballad of Narayama?
The Ballad of Narayama was directed by Keisuke Kinoshita.
How long is The Ballad of Narayama?
The Ballad of Narayama has a runtime of 1 hours and 38 minutes (98 minutes total).
When was The Ballad of Narayama released?
The Ballad of Narayama was released on June 1, 1958 in theaters.
Who are the main actors in The Ballad of Narayama?
The main cast of The Ballad of Narayama includes Kinuyo Tanaka, Teiji Takahashi, Yūko Mochizuki, Seiji Miyaguchi, Yūnosuke Itō.