Death of a Tea Master Poster

Death of a Tea Master 1989

★ 5.413 votes107 min📅 1989-10-07

Step into the serene yet haunting world of *Death of a Tea Master* (1989), a contemplative Japanese historical drama directed by Kei Kumai.

Director: Kei Kumai

Cast

Eiji Okuda
Eiji Okuda
Honkakubo
Toshirō Mifune
Toshirō Mifune
Rikyu Sen-no
Gō Katō
Gō Katō
Oribe Furuta
Kinnosuke Nakamura
Kinnosuke Nakamura
Urakusai Oda
Shinsuke Ashida
Shinsuke Ashida
Hideyoshi Toyotomi
Eijirō Tōno
Eijirō Tōno
Kokei
Taketoshi Naitō
Taketoshi Naitō
Toyobo
Tsunehiko Kamijô
Tsunehiko Kamijô
Soji Yamagami
Taro Kawano
Taro Kawano
Sotan Sen-no
Teizō Muta
Teizō Muta
Daitokuya

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Death of a Tea Master (1989) about?

The film delves into the aftermath of the death of Sen no Rikyū, a revered 16th-century tea master, as his disciple Honkakubo seeks to uncover the truth behind his sudden passing. Through quiet introspection and historical inquiry, Honkakubo confronts the political and personal forces that shaped Rikyū's final days.

Who directed Death of a Tea Master?

The film was directed by Kei Kumai, a celebrated Japanese filmmaker known for his visually poetic and thematically profound works.

Who stars in Death of a Tea Master?

The cast includes Eiji Okuda in the lead role, alongside legendary Toshirō Mifune, Gō Katō, and Kinnosuke Nakamura, with support from Shinsuke Ashida and Eijirō Tōno.

Is Death of a Tea Master (1989) worth watching?

If you appreciate slow-burn historical dramas with rich cultural depth and nuanced performances, *Death of a Tea Master* is a rewarding experience. While not a mainstream blockbuster, its atmospheric storytelling and thematic richness offer a deeply immersive cinematic journey.

How long is Death of a Tea Master?

The runtime of *Death of a Tea Master* is 107 minutes.

About Death of a Tea Master (1989) — A Haunting Japanese Drama of Loyalty and Legacy

Step into the serene yet haunting world of *Death of a Tea Master* (1989), a contemplative Japanese historical drama directed by Kei Kumai. Set in a mist-laden feudal Japan, the film follows the journey of Honkakubo, a devoted disciple of the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyū, as he unravels the mystery shrouding his master's tragic demise. Through quiet tea ceremonies and whispered secrets, the film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the spiritual weight of tradition. Kumai crafts an atmosphere of quiet intensity, where every gesture and glance carries the weight of history, blending drama with historical reflection to create a meditative experience.

With its deliberate pacing and rich symbolism, *Death of a Tea Master* invites viewers to ponder the fragility of human connections and the enduring power of art. The film's restrained elegance, coupled with stunning visuals, makes it a poignant tribute to the art of tea and the complexities of its practitioners.