The Pillow Book 1995
Peter Greenaway's visually sumptuous 1995 drama *The Pillow Book* weaves together art, desire, and betrayal in a tale spun from Japanese calligraphy and European translation.
Director: Peter Greenaway
Cast
Vivian Wu
Nagiko
Yoshi Oida
The Publisher
Ken Ogata
The Father
Hideko Yoshida
The Aunt / The Maid
Ewan McGregor
Jerome
Yutaka Honda
Hoki
Judy Ongg
The Mother
Ken Mitsuishi
The Husband
Barbara Lott
Jerome's Mother
Lynne Langdon
Jerome's sister
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Pillow Book (1995) about?
*The Pillow Book* follows Nagiko, a woman whose fascination with calligraphy leads her to mark her body with ink, seeking a lover who understands her art. When she meets Jerome, an English translator in Japan, their bond ignites a sensual and dangerous journey one that unfolds against a backdrop of treachery and obsession.
Who directed The Pillow Book?
The Pillow Book was directed by Peter Greenaway, the acclaimed British filmmaker known for blending visual artistry with provocative storytelling.
Who stars in The Pillow Book?
The film stars Vivian Wu as Nagiko, Ewan McGregor as Jerome, and features Yoshi Oida, Ken Ogata, and Hideko Yoshida in pivotal roles.
Is The Pillow Book (1995) worth watching?
With its striking visuals and thematic depth, *The Pillow Book* offers a unique cinematic experience for fans of artistic dramas. While not a mainstream narrative, Greenaway's bold direction and the film's romantic intrigue make it a compelling watch for viewers drawn to unconventional love stories and cross-cultural aesthetics.
How long is The Pillow Book?
The Pillow Book has a runtime of 126 minutes, offering a rich, immersive viewing experience.
🎥 Trailer
About The Pillow Book (1995) — Greenaway's Lush Drama of Calligraphy, Passion, and Betrayal
Peter Greenaway's visually sumptuous 1995 drama *The Pillow Book* weaves together art, desire, and betrayal in a tale spun from Japanese calligraphy and European translation. Centered on Nagiko, a woman whose body becomes a living canvas for elegant script, the film follows her search for the perfect match—an English translator named Jerome who shares her aesthetic passion. But when her father's enigmatic publisher re-enters her life, the story spirals into a mesmerizing dance of power, eroticism, and unforeseen violence.
With its lush cinematography and bold thematic fusion of East and West, *The Pillow Book (1995)* crafts a haunting exploration of identity and intimacy. Greenaway's signature style merges poetic imagery with dark undercurrents, creating an experience that lingers long after the final frame. Starring Vivian Wu as Nagiko and Ewan McGregor as Jerome, this hypnotic romance-drama blends cultural contrasts with raw emotional intensity.
