Ten Dark Women 1961
Kon Ichikawa's *Ten Dark Women* (1961) is a sharp, subversive comedy-drama that unfolds like a darkly playful game of cat and mouse.
Director: Kon Ichikawa
Cast
Fujiko Yamamoto
Futaba Kaze
Mariko Miyagi
Tamao Nakamura
Shio Shimura
Kyôko Kishida
Sayoko Goto
Eiji Funakoshi
Kaze
Keiko Kishi
Ichiko Ishinoshita
Tomo'o Nagai
Shirō Ōtsuji
Kōichi Itō
Haori's man
Jūzō Itami
Hanamaki
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ten Dark Women (1961) about?
Kaze, a philandering TV producer, finds himself the target of a bizarre conspiracy when his wife and nine mistresses conspire to kill him. Yet as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that each woman secretly wants to keep him alive—as long as he belongs only to her.
Who directed Ten Dark Women?
Ten Dark Women was directed by Kon Ichikawa, known for his versatile and often satirical approach to storytelling in Japanese cinema.
Who stars in Ten Dark Women?
The film features Fujiko Yamamoto, Mariko Miyagi, Tamao Nakamura, Kyôko Kishida, and Keiko Kishi among its leading cast, alongside Eiji Funakoshi.
Is Ten Dark Women (1961) worth watching?
While it doesn't have an IMDb rating to gauge popularity, *Ten Dark Women* offers a unique blend of dark comedy and drama that stands out for its clever premise and ensemble performances. Fans of unconventional storytelling and 1960s Japanese cinema will likely find it a delightful discovery.
How long is Ten Dark Women?
Ten Dark Women has a runtime of 103 minutes.
About Ten Dark Women (1961) — A Japanese Comedy Where Love Is the Deadliest Game
Kon Ichikawa's *Ten Dark Women* (1961) is a sharp, subversive comedy-drama that unfolds like a darkly playful game of cat and mouse. At its center is Kaze, a womanizing TV producer whose life takes a surreal turn when his wife and nine mistresses secretly plot his demise—only to realize they'd rather keep him alive, provided he belongs exclusively to them. Blending sharp wit with playful absurdity, the film explores themes of jealousy, power, and the absurd lengths people go to in the name of love—or control. Directed with Ichikawa's signature flair, the movie balances biting satire with moments of genuine tension, creating a unique atmosphere where romance and revenge collide in equal measure.
Set against the backdrop of early 1960s Japan, *Ten Dark Women* is a rare gem that thrives on its ensemble cast's chemistry, turning a premise that could easily veer into melodrama into a witty, engaging exploration of human folly. With its clever twists and moral conundrums, the film invites viewers to question who's really in charge—Kaze or the women vying for his affection.
