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Poster for The Ballad of Narayama

The Ballad of Narayama

Seen it?

1983 | 130 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 10 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Japanese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In a small village in a valley everyone who reaches the age of 70 must leave the village and go to a certain mountain top to die. If anyone should refuse they would disgrace their family. Old Orin is 69. This winter it is her turn to go to the mountain. But first she must make sure that her eldest son Tatsuhei finds a wife.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.5 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Cannes award: Palme d'Or. Plus 2 other awards.

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 36K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Shōhei Imamura

  • Ken OgataTatsuhei
  • Sumiko SakamotoOrin
  • Tonpei HidariRisuke
  • Aki TakejoTamayan
  • Shoichi OzawaKatsuzô
  • Fujio TokitaJinsaku
  • Sanshō ShinsuiZeniya Tadayan
  • Seiji KurasakiKesakichi
  • Junko TakadaMatsuyan
  • Mitsuko BaishoOei