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Double Suicide (1969)

Shinjû: Ten no Amijima (original title)
Not Rated | | Drama | 11 February 1970 (USA)
Double Suicide Poster
A doomed love between a paper merchant and a courtesan.

Director:

Masahiro Shinoda

Writers:

Monzaemon Chikamatsu (play), Masahiro Shinoda | 2 more credits »

Stars:

Kichiemon Nakamura, Shima Iwashita, Shizue Kawarazaki | See full cast & crew »
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7 wins. See more awards »

Photos

See all 25 photos »
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Edit

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kichiemon Nakamura ... Jihei
Shima Iwashita ... Koharu / Osan
Shizue Kawarazaki Shizue Kawarazaki ... Osan's Mother
Tokie Hidari Tokie Hidari ... Osugi
Sumiko Hidaka Sumiko Hidaka ... Proprietress
Yûsuke Takita Yûsuke Takita ... Magoemon
Hôsei Komatsu Hôsei Komatsu ... Tahei
Takashi Sue Takashi Sue ... Store Owner
Masashi Makita Masashi Makita ... Guest
Makoto Akatsuka Makoto Akatsuka ... Sangorô
Unko Uehara Unko Uehara ... Otama
Shinji Tsuchiya Shinji Tsuchiya ... Kantarô
Kaori Tozawa Kaori Tozawa ... Osue
Yoshi Katô Yoshi Katô ... Gosaemon
Kamatari Fujiwara ... Denbei
See full cast »
Edit

Storyline

During feudal times in Osaka, Koharu, a courtesan, and Jihei, a married paper merchant, fall in love, they having met in he being one of her regular customers. Their passion for each other is all consuming, especially for Kihei who leaves the running of the paper store in the hands of his wife, Osan. At the beginning of each month - twenty-nine months thus far - Jihei writes a vow to Koharu to free her from her life so that they can be together. However, he doesn't have the money to pay her ransom, he spending whatever money he has in paying for her services. In the meantime, anyone can pay her ransom, she who would be his possession. Jihei and Koharu have vowed to commit suicide together so that they can be together for eternity if they cannot be together on Earth. Jihei and Koharu's journey is affected by several people: his brother, Magoemon, and Osan's parents, who want Jihei to to do right by Osan as her husband and father to their two young children; wealthy Tahei, who believes ... Written by Huggo

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

director cameo | writer cameo | whore | courtesan | rich merchant | See All (99) »

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

Not Rated | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
Edit

Details

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

11 February 1970 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Double Suicide See more »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Art Theatre Guild (ATG), Hyôgen-sha See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See full technical specs »
Edit

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film is part of the Criterion Collection, spine #104. See more »

Connections

Featured in Music for the Movies: Tôru Takemitsu (1994) See more »

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User Reviews

 
Unique and mesmerizing
5 June 2003 | by dgray-1 – See all my reviews

A mesmerizing film which asks deep questions about the role interplay] of fate and free will in human actions. The occasional appearance of hooded background figures and their actions, sometimes just to change the scenery, is done in such a casual manner that it underlines the view that we are not always in full command of what is perceived to be our reality. The ending is truly stunning. A one of a kind experience!
17 of 19 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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