Double Suicide Elegy
Double Suicide Elegy

Double Suicide Elegy

2005Movie108 minJapanese

Mashiro works for a law firm in Kagurazaka. It takes 2 hours for him to commute one way. Kyoko works at the counter in a real-estate agency in Yurakucho. It takes 2 1/2 hours for her to commute one way. They meet each other in a 'double-suicide room' in Nishi-Shinjuku on a pre-arranged day. They are in love and planning to die together.

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IMDb7.3/10
Director: Kazuo HaraGenres: Documentary, Drama

Plot Summary

Kazuo Hara's "Double Suicide Elegy" is a profound and deeply personal documentary that revisits the life and legacy of Yukio Mishima, the controversial Japanese author and political activist. The film weaves together archival footage, interviews, and dramatic reenactments to explore Mishima's complex ideas on beauty, death, and national identity. It delves into the motivations behind his highly publicized ritual suicide in 1970, examining his literary works and his controversial political activities. Hara seeks to understand the man behind the myth, exploring the contradictions and the intense passion that defined Mishima's existence.

Critical Reception

"Double Suicide Elegy" received significant critical attention for its unflinching portrayal of Yukio Mishima. Critics lauded Kazuo Hara's in-depth exploration of the author's life and philosophy, even as they acknowledged the challenging and sometimes provocative nature of the subject matter. The film is often cited for its intellectual rigor and its compelling, albeit somber, examination of Japanese culture and identity.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply intellectual and visually striking exploration of Yukio Mishima's life and philosophy.
  • Hara's documentary is a challenging but rewarding examination of beauty, death, and Japanese identity.
  • The film is praised for its thorough research and its commitment to understanding Mishima's complex motivations.

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Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

Kazuo Hara's documentary on Yukio Mishima was completed nearly 35 years after Mishima's death, with Hara having worked on the film intermittently for much of that time.

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