Ask This of Rikyu 2013
In Ask This of Rikyu (2013), director Mitsutoshi Tanaka crafts a poetic drama steeped in 16th-century Japan, where the humble origins of tea master Sen no Rikyu (Ichikawa Ebizo XI) become the unlikely foundation for a cultural revolution.
Director: Mitsutoshi Tanaka
Cast
Ichikawa Ebizo XI
Sen no Rikyu
Miki Nakatani
Son
Nao Omori
Hideyoshi Toyotomi
Clara Lee
Joseon noblewoman
Yūsuke Iseya
Ichikawa Danjūrō XII
Riko Narumi
Seiji Fukushi
Naoki Kawano
Yoshihiko Hakamada
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ask This of Rikyu (2013) about?
Ask This of Rikyu follows the extraordinary journey of Sen no Rikyu, a son of a fishmonger who rises to become a legendary tea master and advisor to Japan's most feared warlord. His pursuit of artistic perfection clashes with the ruthless ambitions of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, leading to a devastating climax that questions the cost of greatness.
Who directed Ask This of Rikyu?
Ask This of Rikyu was directed by Mitsutoshi Tanaka, a filmmaker known for his visually rich and thematically layered historical dramas.
Who stars in Ask This of Rikyu?
The film stars Ichikawa Ebizo XI as Sen no Rikyu, Miki Nakatani, Nao Omori as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Clara Lee, and Yūsuke Iseya, alongside legendary Ichikawa Danjūrō XII.
Is Ask This of Rikyu (2013) worth watching?
With its stunning cinematography and meditative pace, Ask This of Rikyu offers a rewarding experience for fans of historical dramas and philosophical storytelling. While it may lack the explosive action of typical samurai films, its emotional depth and cultural resonance make it a standout in its genre.
How long is Ask This of Rikyu?
Ask This of Rikyu has a runtime of 124 minutes.
About Ask This of Rikyu (2013) — A poetic drama of tea, power, and sacrifice in feudal Japan
In Ask This of Rikyu (2013), director Mitsutoshi Tanaka crafts a poetic drama steeped in 16th-century Japan, where the humble origins of tea master Sen no Rikyu (Ichikawa Ebizo XI) become the unlikely foundation for a cultural revolution. Rising from his father's fish shop to become a revered advisor to the nation's most powerful warlord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (Nao Omori), Rikyu's profound philosophy of tea transforms him into an unexpected icon of elegance and restraint. Yet their bond fractures under the weight of ambition and duty, culminating in a tragic confrontation that questions the very nature of art, power, and sacrifice.
This historical romance unfolds with quiet intensity, blending the serene beauty of tea ceremonies with the looming shadows of political intrigue. The film's lush visuals and measured pacing immerse viewers in a world where every gesture carries weight, and the clash between personal conviction and historical forces feels both timeless and urgent. As Rikyu's legacy is tested, audiences are left to ponder the price of genius in a world that demands obedience.
