Cast
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Ken Ogata
as Kan Yosano
Sayuri Yoshinaga
as Akiko Yosano
Keiko Matsuzaka
as Sumako Matsui
Kimiko Ikegami
as Akiko Hatano
Morio Kazama
as Sakae Osugi
Eri Ishida
as Noe Ito
Yoshiko Nakada
as Tomiko Yamakawa
Mineko Nishikawa
as Takino Hayashi
Mikio Narita
as Harufusa Hatano
Keizo Kanie
as Hogetsu Shimamura
Renji Ishibashi
as Shojiro Sawada
Takashi Naito
as Kyutaro Wada
Eri Saitou
as Natsuko Fukao
Miki Sanjō
as Arishima's mother
Yūsaku Matsuda
as Takeo Arishima
Crew
Director
- Kinji Fukasaku
Writer
- Kinji Fukasaku
- Fumio Kōnami
- Tomomi Tsutsui
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Chaos of Flowers 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 1988, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Chaos of Flowers took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 139 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 163 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 30 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1322 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Chaos of Flowers shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Last Vermeer, which focuses more on action than character development, A Chaos of Flowers subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like New Tale of Zatoichi and The Celestine Prophecy explore similar territory, A Chaos of Flowers stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: October 1, 1988
- Runtime: 2h 19m
