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<\/a><\/p>\nThe Ballad of Narayama<\/strong> In a remote village, an unusual custom is practiced: elders who have reached the age of 70 are taken to the summit of Mount Narayama, where they are left to die. Orin, 69, although still vital, is prepared to make this journey. But before she goes, she needs to identify a wife for one of her sons, find a woman to sleep with a younger son, and deal with a slew of messy troubles. All of a sudden, the solemn theme of death takes a backseat as human desires, animal instincts and the forces of nature are fully experienced. This Palme d\u2019Or winner explores the essence that binds humans, animals and nature in a passionate way that is uniquely Imamura. Print courtesy of Japan Foundation.<\/p>\n \u201cAn ironic but life-affirming commentary on our so-called civilization by contrasting it with the manners and customs in a primitive Japanese mountain village 100 years ago.\u201d \u2014 Vincent Canby, The New York Times<\/p>\n
\nShohei Imamura. 1983. Japan. 130 min. Color. 35mm. With English subtitles.\u00a0w. Sumiko Sakamoto, Ken Ogata, Aki Takejo<\/p>\n