Cast
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Ken Ogata
as Kazuo Katsura
Ayumi Ishida
as Yoriko
Mieko Harada
as Keiko Yajima
Keiko Matsuzaka
as Tokuko Tanayoshi
Renji Ishibashi
as Kazuo's father
Fumi Dan
as Kazuo's mother
Hatsuo Yamaya
as Tokuko's father
Junko Miyauchi
as Tokuko's mother
Hiroyuki Sanada
as Chuya Nakahara
Yusuke Okada
as Osamu Dazai
Hisashi Igawa
as Tsubono
Chu Arai
as Kanda
Atom Shimojo
as Nakajima
Takeshi Iba
as Sasaki
Takashi Taniguchi
as Hayashi
Crew
Director
- Kinji Fukasaku
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, House on Fire 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 Kinji Fukasaku 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 1986, 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 House on Fire took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 133 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 185 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 30 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 2491 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While House on Fire shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Jonah, or the Artist at Work, which focuses more on action than character development, House on Fire offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The House of Mirth and Dark of the Sun explore similar territory, House on Fire stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 12, 1986
- Runtime: 2h 13m
