Taboo (1999)

The new member of a samurai militia unit causes disruption as several of his colleagues fall in love with him, threatening to disturb the rigid code of their squad.

Director:

Nagisa Ôshima

Writers:

Ryôtarô Shiba (novel), Nagisa Ôshima

Stars:

Takeshi Kitano, Ryûhei Matsuda, Shinji Takeda

10 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Takeshi Kitano	...	Captain Toshizo Hijikata (as 'Beat' Takeshi)
Ryûhei Matsuda	...	Samurai Sozaburo Kano
Shinji Takeda	...	Lieutenant Soji Okita
Tadanobu Asano	...	Samurai Hyozo Tashiro
Yôichi Sai	...	Commander Isami Kondo
Jirô Sakagami	...	Lieutenant Genzaburo Inoue
Kôji Matoba	...	Samurai Heibei Sugano
Masa Tommies	...	Inspector Jo Yamazaki
Masatô Ibu	...	Officer Koshitaro Ito
Zakoba Katsura	...	Wachigaiya
Tomorô Taguchi	...	Samurai Tojiro Yuzawa
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Chikako Aoyama
Yoshiaki Fujiwara
Daisuke Iijima
Yôichi Iijima

Storyline

Set during Japan's Shogun era, this film looks at life in a samurai compound where young warriors are trained in swordfighting. A number of interpersonal conflicts are brewing in the training room, all centering around a handsome young samurai named Sozaburo Kano. The school's stern master can choose to intervene, or to let Kano decide his own path.

---

Plot Keywords:

samurai | japan | rivalry | prostitute | brothel | 

---

Genres:

Drama | History | Thriller

---

Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Official Sites:

Official Site (French) Official site, Shochiku Inc. - Japanese(full features), English(synopsis only)

Country:

Japan France UK

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

18 December 1999 (Japan)

Also Known As:

Taboo

Filming Locations:

Kyoto, Japan

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$9,947, 8 October 2000

Gross USA:

$114,425

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$128,374

Company Credits

Production Co:

Oshima Productions, Shochiku, Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Included among the "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die", edited by Steven Schneider.

---

Connections

Featured in At the Movies: The Wedding Planner/Amy/Sugar & Spice/Shadow of the Vampire/Taboo (2001)

User Reviews

Classic story of possessive love, lust and pederasty among men

I like the music, the acting and the setting. The kendo matches pretty well done, you get to see lots of footwork too. Great camera, and finally an odd mix of sex, gore, action and humor all rolled in one that works so well. I didn't even notice the time flying when watchin this show so engrossed I was in it ^_^ This show is full of innuendos and symbolism. Lots of brainwork to be done here, no answers spoonfed. I found myself rewatching some scenes to gain a better understanding based on the setting, posture, clothes color, etc of the actors. Every little detail counts...

Oh yeh for spoilers you should read the IMDb discussion boards, I posted my interpretations there as did many others. Like others say, there is a relatively rather ambiguous ending but if you pick up on all the clues along the way you'll understand it and then u get to appreciate the movie for being subtle and clever, saying without exactly saying.