Cast
View All
Hideko Takamine
as Kuniko, the Mother
Yōko Tsukasa
as Kinuko Kakinuma
Eitarō Ozawa
as Kakinuma
Daisuke Katō
as Kawashima
Jin Nakayama
as Susumu Ogasawara
Toshio Kurosawa
as Kuniko's younger brother
Natsuko Kahara
as Fumie
Kumeko Urabe
as Hisako Kanematsu
Yoshio Inaba
as
Takeshi Katō
as
Yoshio Tsuchiya
as
Yutaka Sada
as
Kan Yanagiya
as
Hisao Toake
as
Yasuzō Ogawa
as
Crew
Director
- Mikio Naruse
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Moment of Terror examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Mikio Naruse 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1966, 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 Moment of Terror took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1503 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1966, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Moment of Terror shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Off-Piste, which focuses more on action than character development, Moment of Terror offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Two Men in Town and Night in Paradise explore similar territory, Moment of Terror stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 16, 1966
- Runtime: 1h 40m
