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Love of a Thousand Years - Story of Genji

Love of a Thousand Years - Story of Genji (2001)

Dec 15, 2001 2h 23m Drama History

Set in 900AD and tells the story of a famous female writer of the time, Murasaki Shikibu. Her story begins from the death of her husband, a Japanese noble, then moves on to her recruitment to train the Prince's young 'wives in waiting'. It is dotted throughout and actually composed mainly of one of the fictional stories she wrote, the tale of Genji. Genji is a rich playboy who falls in love and has a son to his stepmother. He falls in love often and has many wives whom are all completely subservient to him.

Directed by Tonkô Horikawa

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Tonkô Horikawa

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Love of a Thousand Years - Story of Genji 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 Tonkô Horikawa 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 2001, 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 Love of a Thousand Years - Story of Genji took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 143 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 177 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 58 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2001, when this film is released:
  • Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Love of a Thousand Years - Story of Genji shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike I Am a Hero, which focuses more on action than character development, Love of a Thousand Years - Story of Genji offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Bakumatsu seishun graffiti: Ronin Sakamoto Ryoma and Air Doll explore similar territory, Love of a Thousand Years - Story of Genji 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: December 15, 2001
  • Runtime: 2h 23m