The Ballad of Narayama - A Film by Shohei Imamura

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. 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.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• cannes
• palm
• d'or
• winner
• japanese
• film
• shohei
• imamura
• FUKASAWA
• Shichirou

[radojcicz]

For me, The Ballad of Narajami is the best movie because it shows the reality of life, excellent film directed by Imamura.

Greetings from Serbia to Japan

[BTIsaac]

@unco193

Actually, it's true. Several communities all over the world had traditions like this, and there are places where it's practiced even today. This wasn't the only story that remembers this. The sulfur mines of Turia were one such location where old people would go and die. In fact I believe the modern western world (and those that took after it) is the only civilization where old people are kept around even after they become a burden. To deny that fact, is ignorance.

[YoungKoolness17]

What the fuck is this shit? I'm gonna lose all respect for japan and it's people

[BTIsaac]

@killerkandi133

So does Japan, and pretty much any country in existence, if you look at the surface, but that's not how every community works, just the ones you are familiar with.

[killerkandi133]

@BTIsaac china isnt western and they highly respect their elders

[BTIsaac]

I've read the book not long ago. I wouldn't mind watching the movie.

[normalsoverrated]

Beautiful and cruel movie