Cast
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Takeshi Kitano
as Rokuro Fujisawa
Eita Nagayama
as Yoshitaka Ichimura
Fumino Kimura
as
Hiroyuki Ikeuchi
as
Eiko Koike
as Yoko Fujisawa
Kazuhisa Kawahara
as
Kenji Anan
as
Kotaro Shiga
as
Takeshi Masu
as
Makoto Ashikawa
as
Hiroshi Takahashi
as
Kenji Kasai
as
Kenjirō Nashimoto
as
Kenji Mizuhashi
as
Kyūsaku Shimada
as
Crew
Director
- Kan Ishibashi
Writer
- Kenichi Onishi
- Masahiro Yoshimoto
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Seicho Matsumoto's Black Gospel examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Kan Ishibashi 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 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Seicho Matsumoto's Black Gospel took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 163 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: January 19, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 50m