Himiko (1974)

Director:

Masahiro Shinoda

Writers:

Masahiro Shinoda, Taeko Tomioka

Stars:

Shima Iwashita, Masao Kusakari, Rentarô Mikuni

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Shima Iwashita	...	Himiko
Masao Kusakari	...	Takehiko
Rentarô Mikuni	...	Nashime
Rie Yokoyama	...	Adahime
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jun Hamamura	...	Narrator
Tatsumi Hijikata	...	Dancer
Yoshi Katô	...	Ohkimi
Kenzô Kawarasaki	...	Ikume
Chôichirô Kawarazaki	...	Mimaki

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

japan | shaman | 3rd century

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Details

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

23 February 1979 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Art Theatre Guild, Hoygensha

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

User Reviews

A modernist historical fiction

An imagined life of the prehistoric Japanese Queen Himiko, based loosely on a few mentions in Chinese chronicles. Himiko is presented as the head priestess of the Sun Goddess cult and a spirit medium. This cult later was used by the Japanese Imperial family as their claim to rule. Himiko is made queen when the king is killed, but lets the men around her rule. She is then deposed and killed because she lusts after her half-brother, who is more interested in Adahime, who supports the Earth Goddess.

Done in modern style, with little effort made to have the costumes, the sets and the lighting be as they would be at the time. The Japanese language and characters' motivation seem modern also.

Butoh dancer Tatsumi Hijikata and members of his troupe seem to add a touch along the lines of what one expects in a Fellini picture, but dance historians may be interested.