The Lion Sleeps Tonight Poster

The Lion Sleeps Tonight 2018

★ 7.120 votes103 min📅 2018-01-03

In *The Lion Sleeps Tonight (2018)*, acclaimed director Nobuhiro Suwa crafts a hauntingly introspective drama that follows an aging actor preparing for a pivotal death scene in his latest film.

Director: Nobuhiro Suwa

Cast

Jean-Pierre Léaud
Jean-Pierre Léaud
Jean
Pauline Étienne
Pauline Étienne
Juliette
Maud Wyler
Maud Wyler
Céline, la mère de Jules
Arthur Harari
Arthur Harari
Philippe
Isabelle Weingarten
Isabelle Weingarten
Marie
Noë Sampy
Yuki
Louis-Do de Lencquesaing
Louis-Do de Lencquesaing
Le réalisateur
Jean-Louis Berard
Claude
Françoise Michaud
Françoise Michaud
La maquilleuse
Jules Langlade
Jules

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Lion Sleeps Tonight (2018) about?

The film centers on an elderly actor rehearsing a death scene when he's visited by the spirit of a former lover. As the boundaries between life and cinema blur, he confronts unresolved emotions tied to mortality and legacy.

Who directed The Lion Sleeps Tonight?

Nobuhiro Suwa, the visionary Japanese director known for his contemplative and character-driven films like *Hanezu* and *2/Deux*.

Who stars in The Lion Sleeps Tonight?

The film features a standout cast led by Jean-Pierre Léaud and Pauline Étienne, alongside Maud Wyler, Arthur Harari, and Isabelle Weingarten.

Is The Lion Sleeps Tonight (2018) worth watching?

While not widely rated, the film's artistic ambition and emotional depth make it a compelling watch for fans of introspective dramas. Suwa's direction and the cast's performances elevate it beyond a conventional narrative.

How long is The Lion Sleeps Tonight?

The runtime is 103 minutes.

About The Lion Sleeps Tonight (2018) — A poignant drama of memory and mortality on film

In *The Lion Sleeps Tonight (2018)*, acclaimed director Nobuhiro Suwa crafts a hauntingly introspective drama that follows an aging actor preparing for a pivotal death scene in his latest film. As the retired star grapples with the weight of his legacy, he's unexpectedly confronted by the spectral presence of a past love—blurring the lines between memory, mortality, and the performances that define a life. Set against the quiet tension of a dimly lit apartment, the film weaves themes of nostalgia and existential reflection into a meditative exploration of artistry and aging.

With a minimalist yet evocative approach, Suwa draws out deeply emotional performances from his ensemble cast, particularly Jean-Pierre Léaud and Pauline Étienne, whose chemistry breathes life into the ghostly encounter. The 103-minute runtime unfolds like a slow, deliberate dance between past and present, leaving audiences to ponder the ghosts we carry long after the curtain falls.