Publication
Criterion Collection (2005)
Original publication date
1985-05-31
Collections
Awards
Academy Award (Nominee — 1985)
National Board of Review Award (Best Foreign Language Film — 1985)
Description
In 16th century Japan, an aging ruler attempts to divide his kingdom among his three sons. They turn against each other and betray their father, triggering events that ultimately shatter the kingdom, destroy the family, and drive their father insane. Based on Shakespeare's King Lear.
User reviews
LibraryThing member comfypants
King Lear set in feudal Japan.
The story is great, of course, although it moves far too slowly. It's a very pretty movie; the cinematography isn't so great however where it comes to telling the story (beyond setting the tone). For most of the movie he insists on staying on a wide shot, which makes
The story is great, of course, although it moves far too slowly. It's a very pretty movie; the cinematography isn't so great however where it comes to telling the story (beyond setting the tone). For most of the movie he insists on staying on a wide shot, which makes
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it (1) feel more like watching a play than a movie (arguably a good thing) and (2) difficult in places to tell which character is saying which line. Show Less
Language
Original language
Japanese
UPC
715515016827
Physical description
7.75 x 1 inches