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Ballad of Narayama DVD
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Japanese
English
DVD-9
1 - North America
18+
130 min
1983
16:9
COLOR
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Shohei Imamura
Shichiro Fukasawa, Shohei Imamura
Ken Ogata, Sumiko Sakamoto, Takejo Aki
Contains Violence, Nudity, Adult Language, and Sexual Situations
© 1983 Toei Company, Ltd.

Winner of the Palme d'Or, Cannes Film Festival

In a small village in a remote valley, everyone who reaches the age of 70 is banished to the top of Mt. Narayama to die, so as not to be a burden on the village and bring disgrace upon their family. Old Orin is 69, and despite being in good health, in the coming winter it will be her turn to leave. But first, there are things to do, and a score or two to settle.

From two-time Palme d'Or-winning director Shohei IMAMURA comes a powerful and unforgettable human drama, exquisitely photographed. A milestone in Japanese Cinema, this film will challenge your fundamental conception of humanity, and offer a glimpse into a world where survival overrules compassion, and the decisions of who shall live and die are born of starving necessity and animal instinct.

  • WInner of Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) Award at Cannes Film Festival (1983) —The top film award of the year.
  • Directed by Shohei Imamura — one of Japan's most acclaimed directors; twice awarded the Palme d'Or.
  • A powerful and unforgettable human drama with exquisite cinematography.
"...I do find it no surprise at all that The Ballad of Narayama took home the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival…a title which is every bit deserved" -- Underland Online
"...the issues addressed in Narayama will no doubt provide ample food for discussion. Check it out." -- DreamLogic
"Both The Ballad of Narayama and Black Rain are prime Imamura and sterling examples of modern Japanese cinema" -- Video Librarian
"Films by the Japanese director Shohei Imamura have one thing in common -- they're as provocative as a slap in the face" -- DVD Savant
"The Ballad Of Narayama is a great film. It is raw and visceral and does not present life in a sugarcoated way" -- CineGeek
"The Ballad of Narayama is about as brutally honest as it gets" -- Infini-Tropolis
"The Ballad of Narayama is absolutely beautifully shot from start to finish, every scene looks wonderful and the attention to detail is astounding" -- Blood Type Online
"This is a movie that doesn't reveal its brilliance until the end. Up to that point, it's merely beautifully shot and acted" -- Now Toronto