Cast
View All
Tatsuya Nakadai
as Maresuke Nogi
Teruhiko Aoi
as Takeshi Koga
Kenji Niinuma
as
Masayuki Yuhara
as Kikumatsu Umetani
Makoto Satō
as
Toshiyuki Nagashima
as Yasusuke Nogi
Akio Hasegawa
as
Yoshio Inaba
as Kosuke Ijichi
Katsutoshi Atarashi
as
Jirô Chiba
as
Jun Funato
as Jiro Shirai
Torahiko Hamada
as Naoharu Osako
Hiroshi Kondō
as Hisanao Oshima
Ichirō Izawa
as Harunobu Tomoyasu
Isao Tamagawa
as Kanemoto Matsumura
Crew
Director
- Toshio Masuda
Producer
- Shigeru Okada
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Port Arthur 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 Toshio Masuda 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 1980, 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 Port Arthur took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 185 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 231 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 63 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Port Arthur 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 Great War of Archimedes, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Port Arthur offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Red Corner and Kundun explore similar territory, Port Arthur stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: August 2, 1980
- Runtime: 3h 5m
