Crane Poster

Crane 1988

★ 6.82 votes93 min📅 1988-05-21

Directed by the legendary Kon Ichikawa, *Crane (1988)* weaves a hauntingly beautiful folk tale into a visually stunning fantasy drama.

Director: Kon Ichikawa

Cast

Sayuri Yoshinaga
Sayuri Yoshinaga
Tsuru (crane)
Hideki Noda
Hideki Noda
Daiju
Takuzō Kawatani
Takuzō Kawatani
Umaemon
Kirin Kiki
Kirin Kiki
Yura
Bunta Sugawara
Bunta Sugawara
Rich man
Kyôko Kishida
Kyôko Kishida
Kichibi
Koji Ishizaka
Koji Ishizaka
Narrator
Michino Yokoyama
Michino Yokoyama
Nami
Fujio Tokita
Fujio Tokita
Hunter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crane (1988) about?

A destitute peasant named Taiju is visited by Tsuru, a beautiful woman, on a snowy night. She marries him but hides a dark secret tied to an ancient folk tale about repayment from a crane. Their love story unfolds against a backdrop of folklore and hardship.

Who directed Crane?

Crane was directed by Kon Ichikawa, a master of Japanese cinema known for his visually striking and thematically rich films.

Who stars in Crane?

The film stars Sayuri Yoshinaga as Tsuru, Hideki Noda as Taiju, and features Kirin Kiki, Bunta Sugawara, and Kyôko Kishida in key roles.

Is Crane (1988) worth watching?

While it has no IMDb rating, *Crane (1988)* is a hidden gem for fans of poetic fantasy and Japanese folklore. Its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth make it a rewarding watch for those who appreciate Kon Ichikawa's signature style.

How long is Crane?

Crane has a runtime of 93 minutes.

About Crane (1988) — A Dreamlike Folk Tale of Love, Sacrifice, and Secrets

Directed by the legendary Kon Ichikawa, *Crane (1988)* weaves a hauntingly beautiful folk tale into a visually stunning fantasy drama. Set against the backdrop of a snowy night, the story follows Taiju, a struggling peasant who encounters Tsuru, a mysterious woman who offers to become his wife. As their bond deepens, Tsuru's secret unfolds in a bittersweet dance between love and sacrifice, exploring themes of gratitude, destiny, and the fragility of human connections. With a dreamlike atmosphere and rich historical undertones, Ichikawa crafts a film that feels like a timeless Japanese fairy tale.

The cast, led by the radiant Sayuri Yoshinaga as Tsuru and Hideki Noda as Taiju, delivers performances that blend warmth with melancholy, grounding this fantastical narrative in raw emotion. The film's fantasy elements are subtly woven into its historical setting, creating a unique cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll. *Crane (1988)* is a hidden gem for fans of Japanese folklore and poetic storytelling, offering a rare blend of myth and humanity.