Gohatto (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 & 10 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.

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Plot Keywords:

samurai | japan | rivalry | prostitute | brothel | 

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Genres:

Drama | History | Thriller

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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:

Tabu

Filming Locations:

Kyoto, Japan

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$9,947, 8 October 2000, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$47,234, 26 November 2000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Oshima Productions,Shôchiku Eiga,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.

User Reviews

Amazing and thought provoking...

Even after seeing this movie more than 20 times it still draws me in. Some of the best actors in Japan take part in this flim, most noticeable is Beat Takeshi. The story line is simply jaw dropping. This is the type of film that Hollywood probably wouldn't even dare make. To me the subject matter isn't shocking, but I've spent time in Japan and studied their language and culture extensively, but some people are offended by this. Simply because they cannot get past the little detail that these strong, powerful men can have gay tendencies.

The movie follows Kano Sozaburo as he joins the Shinshigumi (feudal era police). (Also not here that most of the main characters, except Kano and Tashiro are based off actual historical/famous people.) As Kano joins the rank, his beauty and sword skill captivate the men around him, from the other new recruit to the top ranking officers. Suddenly people begin to die, murdered in the night. Any more will give away the story.

IF you get the chance to see this movie do. For some it may be hard to get all the details and understand the little intricacies involved, and the ending may confuse some (especially if you are just going off what the subtitles say). But give it a chance, it's a wonderful film, but not for everyone (and not for the whole family ;)