Bound for the Fields, the Mountains, and the Seacoast 1986
Nobuhiko Obayashi's *Bound for the Fields, the Mountains, and the Seacoast* (1986) immerses viewers in the charged atmosphere of 1930s Japan, where nationalism simmers beneath daily life in a quiet Inland Sea town.
Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi
Cast
Isako Washio
O-Shouchan
Yasufumi Hayashi
Soutaroh Sudou
Riki Takeuchi
Kawakita
Koichi Sato
Chuui Aoki
Jun'ichirô Katagiri
Sakae Ohsugi
Aiko Shouriki
Mizue Okami
Toshinori Omi
Yuuta Hayami
Makoto Satō
Seiroku the Pimp
Nenji Kobayashi
Gonzoh
Akira Ōizumi
School Custodian
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Bound for the Fields, the Mountains, and the Seacoast* (1986) about?
This drama-comedy set in pre-war Japan follows a rebellious boy who clashes with a local bully over a shared romantic interest—the bully's crush on the boy's older stepsister. When the stepsister is at risk of being sold to a brothel to pay her father's debts, the boys reluctantly team up to rescue her, exposing the cracks in their town's facade of order.
Who directed *Bound for the Fields, the Mountains, and the Seacoast*?
Nobuhiko Obayashi, celebrated for his visually inventive and emotionally layered storytelling, directed this 1986 film.
Who stars in *Bound for the Fields, the Mountains, and the Seacoast*?
The film features Isako Washio, Yasufumi Hayashi, Riki Takeuchi, Koichi Sato, and Jun'ichirô Katagiri in pivotal roles.
Is *Bound for the Fields, the Mountains, and the Seacoast* (1986) worth watching?
While this Obayashi film lacks an IMDb rating, its blend of sharp drama, dark comedy, and historical depth makes it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven stories with social resonance. The film's themes—resistance, family duty, and the absurdity of authority—are delivered with a mix of realism and surrealism that lingers long after the credits roll.
How long is *Bound for the Fields, the Mountains, and the Seacoast*?
*Bound for the Fields, the Mountains, and the Seacoast* runs for 135 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
Bound for the Fields, the Mountains, and the Seacoast (1986): A Wartime Coming-of-Age Drama
Nobuhiko Obayashi's *Bound for the Fields, the Mountains, and the Seacoast* (1986) immerses viewers in the charged atmosphere of 1930s Japan, where nationalism simmers beneath daily life in a quiet Inland Sea town. A defiant young boy finds himself at odds with the local bully, whose misplaced affection for the protagonist's older stepsister sets off a chain of events tied to family debt and societal pressure. When the stepsister's fate hangs in the balance—threatened by a brothel to settle her father's crushing obligations—the boys must navigate jealousy, loyalty, and the weight of their surroundings to forge an unlikely partnership. Obayashi blends sharp social commentary with a mix of drama and dark humor, capturing the tension between personal rebellion and the stifling expectations of wartime-era Japan.
With a runtime of 135 minutes, the film unfolds like a vivid memory, oscillating between childhood mischief and the looming shadow of war. The cast, led by Isako Washio and Yasufumi Hayashi, delivers performances that balance raw emotion with subtle wit, grounding the story in a world where innocence collides with harsh realities. The movie's title itself evokes a sense of journey—both literal and metaphorical—as the characters confront their paths against forces beyond their control.
