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Bookmark this pageKaseki (1974)
Director: Masaki Kobayashi
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
The film reveals its entire plot in its opening moments: Itsuki, widower and successful businessman, will learn in Europe that he has cancer, and reappraise his dealings with family, colleagues and friends. Dropping the element of narrative 'surprise' works as a bold distancing device, the last thing you'd expect from the director of Kwaidan and Rebellion; it enables him to view Itsuki with a kind of engaged dispassion, and to make clear-eyed points about Japanese social conventions and ethics without troubling to keep a melodrama on the boil. Despite stretches that betray its origin in a TV serial (of twice the length), the result is exceptionally innovative for a Japanese film-maker of the older generation. The web of documentary, fiction and fantasy coalesces into a commitment to change that's emotionally tough, and never for a second sentimental.Author: TR
Cast & crew
Director: Masaki Kobayashi
Producer: Mayasuki Sato, Ginichi Kishimoto, Yutaka Kamioka
Cast: Shin Saburi, Keiko Kishi, Hisashi Igawa, Kei Yamamoto, Orié Sato, Komaki Kurihara full cast
Duration: 209 mins
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