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Still from Double Suicide — Double Suicide (1969) — Masahiro ShinodaPhotographed by Tōichirō Narushima

Poster for Double Suicide

Masahiro Shinoda

Double Suicide

心中天網島

Japan / Japanese / 1969 / 1h 45m

Criterion Collection: Spine №104
Letterboxd: 3.96/5·5.5K ratings·1.2K reviewson Letterboxd
Connections: View Connections

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.

Sonic Youth#5

Credits

Crew

DirectorMasahiro Shinoda

WriterToru Takemitsu, Masahiro Shinoda, Taeko Tomioka

Cinematographer

Tōichirō Narushima

ComposerToru Takemitsu

ProducerMasayuki Nakajima, Masahiro Shinoda

Cast

Kichiemon Nakamura IIas Jihei

Shima Iwashitaas Koharu / Osan

Hōsei Komatsuas Tahei

Yūsuke Takitaas Mogoemon

Kamatari Fujiwaraas Owner of the Yamatoya

Yoshi Katōas Gosaemon

Shizue Kawarazakias Osan's Mother

Tokie Hidarias Osugi

Sumiko Hidakaas Proprietress

Takashi Sueas Store Owner

Masashi Makitaas Guest

Makoto Akatsukaas Sangoro

Unko Ueharaas Otama

Shinji Tsuchiyaas Kantaro

Kaori Tozawaas Osue

Masatsugu Makita

Double Feature

Streaming now, and why it pairs with this film

Poster for Pale Flower

Pale Flower1964

Paired by the Criterion Channel, and both directed by Masahiro Shinoda

Or

Himiko1974Both directed by Masahiro Shinoda, and both starring Shima Iwashita
Under the Blossoming Cherry Trees1975Both directed by Masahiro Shinoda, and both starring Shima Iwashita

Related Films

via Criterion Collection

Poster for Kwaidan

Kwaidan

1965

Poster for Patriotism

Patriotism

1966

Poster for Story of a Prostitute

Story of a Prostitute

1965

Articles

via Criterion Collection

Double SuicideClaire Johnston — Jan 30, 2001

Double Suicide (1969) | Criteria