Sharaku (1995)

A crippled kabuki player is taken into a strolling company of itinerant actors. An influential publisher notices his honest, bold drawings, and nurtures him despite persecution and betrayal... See full summary »

Director:

Masahiro Shinoda

Writers:

Midori Katakura, Hiroko Minagawa (story),

Stars:

Hiroyuki Sanada, Frankie Sakai, Shima Iwashita

14 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Hiroyuki Sanada	...	Tonbo
Frankie Sakai	...	Tsutaya
Shima Iwashita	...	Troupe Leader
Tsurutarô Kataoka	...	Goro
Shirô Sano	...	Utamaro
Riona Hazuki	...	Hanasato
Toshiya Nagasawa	...	Tetsuzo (the future Hokusai)
Yasosuke Bando	...	Matsudaira Sadanobu
Tomijuro Nakamura	...	Gosei
Naoko Kato	...	Ohuji
Masumi Miyazaki	...	Gohi
Chôichirô Kawarazaki	...	Santo Kyoden
Naomasa Musaka	...	Manager Yohei
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Eisuke Sasai	...	Tomisaburo Segawa
Naoto Takenaka

Storyline

A crippled kabuki player is taken into a strolling company of itinerant actors. An influential publisher notices his honest, bold drawings, and nurtures him despite persecution and betrayal. The film explores the eternal relationship between artist and producer, and describes the emanicipation of a man who refuses to let himself become the plaything of power and money.

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Plot Keywords:

art | jidai geki | based on novel

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Details

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

4 February 1995 (Japan)

Filming Locations:

Japan

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hyogensha, Sakai Sogo Kikaku, Seiyu Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

User Reviews

A letdown

Slow and very talky, but not however too bad.

The cover art promises salacious content which is not fulfilled, apart from one sensational image. A pornographic sketch of a man and woman about to have sex with enormous genitals.

On the plus side, the cinematography is impressive, the slow street parading of the high-class prostitutes particularly so.

Much too much screen time was spent with dialogue and minor dramatics about artistic tantrums and angst. This film could have been a lot more interesting, particularly given the outstanding talent on and off screen. Still, not too bad, if you get ready for a gentle pace before starting the movie.