Profound Desires of the Gods 1968
In Shōhei Imamura's visually arresting drama *Profound Desires of the Gods (1968)*, a Tokyo engineer ventures to a remote tropical island to drill a well for a sugar mill, only to find himself entangled in the lives and rituals of the isolated Futori clan.
Director: Shōhei Imamura
Cast
Rentaro Mikuni
Nekichi Futori
Chōichirō Kawarasaki
Kametaro Futori
Kazuo Kitamura
Kariya
Hideko Okiyama
Toriko Futori
Yasuko Matsui
Uma Futori
Yoshi Katō
Ryugen Ryu
Hōsei Komatsu
Shimajiri
Chikako Hosokawa
Mrs. Azuma
Chikage Oogi
Mrs. Kariya
Jun Hamamura
Tokusato
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Profound Desires of the Gods (1968)* about?
*Profound Desires of the Gods* follows a Tokyo engineer sent to a remote island to drill a well for a sugar mill, only to become entangled in the lives of the isolated Futori clan. His presence disrupts their traditions and stirs deep-seated tensions between modernity and primal beliefs.
Who directed *Profound Desires of the Gods*?
The film was directed by Shōhei Imamura, one of Japan's most celebrated filmmakers, renowned for his uncompromising exploration of human nature and societal taboos.
Who stars in *Profound Desires of the Gods*?
The film features Rentarō Mikuni in the lead role, supported by Chōichirō Kawarasaki, Kazuo Kitamura, Hideko Okiyama, and Yasuko Matsui.
Is *Profound Desires of the Gods (1968)* worth watching?
With its stark themes and immersive storytelling, *Profound Desires of the Gods* is a rewarding watch for fans of slow-burn drama and Japanese cinema. While not a mainstream title, Imamura's direction makes it a standout for those seeking depth and atmosphere in film.
How long is *Profound Desires of the Gods*?
The film runs for 173 minutes, a runtime that allows for Imamura's detailed character studies and atmospheric tension.
🎥 Trailer
About Profound Desires of the Gods (1968) — A haunting tale of desire, tradition, and the clash of civilizations
In Shōhei Imamura's visually arresting drama *Profound Desires of the Gods (1968)*, a Tokyo engineer ventures to a remote tropical island to drill a well for a sugar mill, only to find himself entangled in the lives and rituals of the isolated Futori clan. Imamura, known for his unflinching exploration of human nature, crafts a haunting narrative that contrasts modernity with primal traditions, revealing deep-seated desires and cultural clashes. The film's atmosphere is thick with tension, as the engineer's presence stirs disquiet among the islanders, who view the land as sacred and the well as a disruption of their ancestral world.
Through stark cinematography and immersive storytelling, *Profound Desires of the Gods* delves into themes of progress versus tradition, isolation, and the primal forces that shape human behavior. Rentarō Mikuni leads the cast as the outsider whose encounter with the Futori clan forces him to confront his own motivations and the consequences of his actions. With its raw intensity and philosophical depth, this 1968 masterpiece remains a standout in Japanese cinema, offering a mesmerizing yet unsettling journey into the heart of human longing and cultural collision.
