The Broken Commandment 1962
Kon Ichikawa's *The Broken Commandment (1962)* weaves a poignant drama set against the backdrop of post-war Japan, where deep-seated social hierarchies still cast long shadows.
Director: Kon Ichikawa
Cast
Raizō Ichikawa
Ushimatsu Segawa
Rentaro Mikuni
Rentaro Inoko
Shiho Fujimura
Oshiho
Eiji Funakoshi
Keinoshin Kazama
Jun Hamamura
Ushimatsu's father
Yoshi Katō
Ushimatsu's uncle
Kyôko Kishida
Inoko's wife
Seiji Miyaguchi
School master
Hiroyuki Nagato
Ginnosuke Tsuchiya
Haruko Sugimura
School master's wife
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Broken Commandment (1962) about?
The film centers on Ushimatsu, who carries a forbidden secret about his lower-caste heritage. As he grapples with whether to reveal the truth, he becomes entangled in a struggle against systemic discrimination. The story unfolds as a quiet yet powerful meditation on justice and self-acceptance.
Who directed The Broken Commandment?
The Broken Commandment (1962) was directed by the acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Kon Ichikawa, known for his visually striking and emotionally resonant dramas.
Who stars in The Broken Commandment?
The film stars Raizō Ichikawa in the lead role, with Rentaro Mikuni, Shiho Fujimura, Eiji Funakoshi, and Jun Hamamura delivering standout performances.
Is The Broken Commandment (1962) worth watching?
While IMDb doesn't rate *The Broken Commandment (1962)*, its themes of social justice and personal courage make it a compelling watch for fans of classic Japanese drama. Kon Ichikawa's direction and the cast's performances elevate it beyond a mere historical curiosity.
How long is The Broken Commandment?
The Broken Commandment (1962) has a runtime of 119 minutes.
About The Broken Commandment (1962) — A Hidden Past's Rebellion in Kon Ichikawa's Drama
Kon Ichikawa's *The Broken Commandment (1962)* weaves a poignant drama set against the backdrop of post-war Japan, where deep-seated social hierarchies still cast long shadows. The film follows Ushimatsu, a man burdened by a secret his father imposed—a legacy of lower-caste heritage he was forbidden to reveal. Years later, as he navigates a world of simmering discrimination, he finds himself torn between silence and the urgent need to confront injustice. With Ichikawa's signature sensitivity, the story explores themes of identity, oppression, and the quiet revolutions that shape personal integrity.
The atmosphere is one of restrained intensity, as Ushimatsu's internal conflict mirrors the societal tensions of the era. The film blends drama with a stark, unflinching gaze at human dignity and the cost of defiance. Raizō Ichikawa delivers a powerhouse performance in the lead role, supported by a compelling cast that grounds the narrative in raw emotion and authenticity.
