Double Suicide 1969
Dive into *Double Suicide (1969)*, Masahiro Shinoda's masterful blend of drama and romance set against the rigid societal norms of 18th-century Japan.
Director: Masahiro Shinoda
Cast
Kichiemon Nakamura II
Jihei
Shima Iwashita
Koharu / Osan
Hōsei Komatsu
Tahei
Yūsuke Takita
Mogoemon
Kamatari Fujiwara
Owner of the Yamatoya
Yoshi Katō
Gosaemon
Shizue Kawarazaki
Osan's Mother
Tokie Hidari
Osugi
Sumiko Hidaka
Proprietress
Takashi Sue
Store Owner
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Double Suicide (1969) about?
This period drama follows Jihei, a married paper-mill owner in 18th-century Japan, who becomes obsessed with Koharu, a courtesan. His desperate attempts to buy her freedom spiral into ruin, testing the boundaries of loyalty, tradition, and love.
Who directed Double Suicide?
Masahiro Shinoda directed *Double Suicide*. Known for his visually striking and emotionally resonant films, Shinoda brings a poetic depth to this tragic romance.
Who stars in Double Suicide?
The film stars Kichiemon Nakamura II as Jihei, Shima Iwashita as Koharu, and features Hōsei Komatsu, Yūsuke Takita, and Kamatari Fujiwara in pivotal roles.
Is Double Suicide (1969) worth watching?
With its richly atmospheric storytelling and themes of forbidden love, *Double Suicide* is a compelling watch for fans of period dramas and tragic romances. While it's less mainstream, its emotional depth and Shinoda's direction make it a rewarding experience.
How long is Double Suicide?
*Double Suicide* runs for 105 minutes.
About Double Suicide (1969) — Masahiro Shinoda's Poetic Tragedy of Forbidden Love
Dive into *Double Suicide (1969)*, Masahiro Shinoda's masterful blend of drama and romance set against the rigid societal norms of 18th-century Japan. When Jihei, a prosperous paper-mill owner bound by tradition and family, encounters the captivating courtesan Koharu, he's torn between duty and forbidden desire. Their forbidden love ignites a whirlwind of obsession, sacrifice, and societal upheaval, as Jihei risks everything—his business, his reputation, and his family—to free Koharu from her life of servitude. The film unfolds with a haunting beauty, weaving themes of duty versus passion, the cost of defiance, and the inescapable weight of tradition.
Shinoda's direction infuses the story with a poetic melancholy, capturing the tragic inevitability of Jihei and Koharu's fate. With a stellar cast led by Kichiemon Nakamura II and Shima Iwashita, *Double Suicide* is a poignant exploration of love's extremes, where societal constraints crush even the deepest emotions. The film's atmospheric tension and emotional depth make it a standout in period dramas, leaving viewers to ponder the boundaries of love and loyalty.
