SYNOPSIS: Many films have drawn from classic Japanese theatrical forms, but none with such shocking cinematic effect as director Masahiro Shinoda’s Double Suicide. In this striking adaptation of a Bunraku puppet play (featuring the music of famed composer Toru Takemitsu), a paper merchant sacrifices family, fortune, and ultimately life for his erotic obsession with a prostitute. Criterion is proud to present Double Suicide in a stunning digital transfer, with a new and improved English subtitle translation.
| Jihei | Kichiemon Nakamura |
| Koharu/Osan | Shima Iwashita |
| Tahei | Hosei Komatsu |
| Magoemon | Yusuke Takita |
| Yamatoya owner | Kamatari Fujiwara |
| Gozaemon | Yoshi Kato |
| Osan’s mother | Shizue Kawarazaki |
| Osugi | Tokie Hidari |
| Director | Masahiro Shinoda |
| Screenplay | Taeko Tomioka, Masahiro Shinoda and Toru Takemitsu |
| From the play by | Monzaemon Chikamatsu |
| Cinematography | Toichiro Narushima |
| Art director | Kiyoshi Awasu |
| Music | Toru Takemitsu |
By January 29, 2001
Despite the richness of the theatrical tradition in Japan, there have been few adaptations from stage to cinema: the novel has always been favored. Apart from aragoto, a sword-playing genre (and the perennial Read more »
