Cast
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Yûko Natori
as Tsuya Shimamura
Morio Kazama
as
Kunihiko Mitamura
as
Aki Mizusawa
as Shima Shimamura
Mariko Okada
as Sei Shimamura
Mieko Takamine
as
Yoshiko Mita
as
Ayako Kobayashi
as Sei as a girl
Shirō Ōsaka
as
Kōjirō Kusanagi
as Sei's uncle
Kin Sugai
as
Junkichi Orimoto
as
Tomiko Ishii
as Midwife
Shingo Misawa
as
Eizō Kitamura
as
Crew
Director
- Sadao Nakajima
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Appassionata 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 Sadao Nakajima 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 1984, 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 Appassionata took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 145 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 174 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 36 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1515 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1984, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- 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
Details
- Release Date: January 14, 1984
- Runtime: 2h 25m