Backdrop preview Closing Time backdrop
Closing Time

Closing Time (1996)

Feb 01, 1996 1h 21m

A down-and-out scriptwriter spends his days and nights in the bars of Tokyo. When he is thrown out of a joint because it is closing time, there is always a willing lady to spend the rest of the night with. In the street he has countless semi-philosophical discussions with fellow drinkers, male and female, (shot in black-and-white, as prologue to the different chapters) but in the end it often comes down to one thing: the bottle of whisky that has to be finished. An encounter with a homeless young man with AIDS marks a turning point in the life of the writer.

Directed by Masahiro Kobayashi

Cast

View All
Sanshō Shinsui
View Profile
Sanshō Shinsui

as Man

Takeo Nakahara
View Profile
Takeo Nakahara

as Master

Kazuki Kitamura
View Profile
Kazuki Kitamura

as Kubo

Mari Natsuki
View Profile
Mari Natsuki

as

View Profile
Ako Jissoji

as

View Profile
Yûko Ishiwa

as

Bengal
View Profile
Bengal

as

Sei Hiraizumi
View Profile
Sei Hiraizumi

as

Ryota Nakanishi
View Profile
Ryota Nakanishi

as

Crew

Director
  • Masahiro Kobayashi

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

Closing Time represents a fascinating example of cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Masahiro Kobayashi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Closing Time took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1996, when this film was released:
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: February 1, 1996
  • Runtime: 1h 21m

Similar Movies