Rikyu 1989
In Hiroshi Teshigahara's meditative 1989 drama Rikyu, the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyū navigates the turbulent waters of 16th-century Japan, guiding the ambitious warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi toward a deeper understanding of art and power.
Director: Hiroshi Teshigahara
Cast
Rentaro Mikuni
Rikyu
Yoshiko Mita
Riki's Wife
Tsutomu Yamazaki
Hideyoshi Toyotomi
Kyôko Kishida
Wife
Tanie Kitabayashi
Mother
Ryo Tamura
Lord Hidenaga
Matsumoto Hakuō II
Lord Oda
Kichiemon Nakamura II
Lord Ieyasu
Bandō Mitsugorō X
Mitsanari
Akira Kubo
Geni
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rikyu (1989) about?
Set in the late 1500s, Rikyu follows the aging tea master Sen no Rikyū as he mentors Hideyoshi, a headstrong warlord whose ruthless ambition will unify Japan. Through their complex bond, the film explores the collision of art, politics, and personal conviction in a time of war.
Who directed Rikyu?
Rikyu was directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara, a master of Japanese cinema known for blending visual poetry with deep thematic exploration.
Who stars in Rikyu?
The film stars Rentarō Mikuni as Sen no Rikyū, supported by Yoshiko Mita, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Kyōko Kishida, and Tanie Kitabayashi in pivotal roles.
Is Rikyu (1989) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, Rikyu is a visually stunning drama that rewards viewers interested in historical films or Japanese culture. Its contemplative pacing and themes of power and tradition make it a standout among period dramas, though patience is required for its deliberate storytelling.
How long is Rikyu?
Rikyu runs for 135 minutes, offering a deeply immersive experience.
🎥 Trailer
About Rikyu (1989) — A Tea Master's Clash with Japan's Rise to Power
In Hiroshi Teshigahara's meditative 1989 drama Rikyu, the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyū navigates the turbulent waters of 16th-century Japan, guiding the ambitious warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi toward a deeper understanding of art and power. As Hideyoshi's ruthless ambition unites a fractured nation, their relationship becomes a delicate dance between discipline and desire, tradition and conquest. Through restrained performances and striking visuals, Teshigahara crafts a contemplative portrait of cultural shift, where the quiet elegance of a tea ceremony clashes with the roar of political upheaval.
Rikyu (1989) unfolds like a visual poem, blending historical gravitas with intimate character study. The film's atmosphere is one of quiet tension, where every gesture and exchange carries weight, reflecting the high stakes of a society on the brink of transformation. With Rentarō Mikuni's commanding presence as Rikyū anchoring the narrative, this drama invites viewers to ponder the soul of a nation—and the individuals who shape its destiny.
