The generational gap between her and the children is achingly apparent. And there is a scene beyond all words in which the old lady and another woman friend, equally old, gather to remember their dead. 7.3. Its subject is the bombing of Nagasaki, though not so much the bombing itself as the event as it exists in memory. There is a rose, engulfed by ants, which may have something to do with those who fled from the devastation of the bomb. 1991; 1 hr 38 mins Drama PG Watchlist. This film is laden with extraordinary performances, chief among them being Sachiko Murase as the grandmother. There's more narrative movement here than in Dreams, but the pedagogic humanism still gets bogged down in facile simplification. Rhapsody In August is about family, both present and absent, and the imprint of history on ordinary lives. Plain and simple, Rhapsody is mediocre pap. Rhapsody in August is a touching movie about four cousins who come to visit their grandmother in honor of her husband, who died in the atomic bombing of 1945. A fine little film by Kurosawa. Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. Jump to navigation Jump to search. Copyright © Fandango. Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! Reviews There are no reviews yet. Sad to say, it is far from a major statement from one of our greatest living directors. | Rotten (6). This is Akira Kurosawa’s second last film and generally the last few films he made were not very well received. Talk:Rhapsody in August. "Rhapsody in August" is a great example of Kurosawa's later films, as with "Madadayo", it is a reflection of the director's maturity as an individual and a filmmaker. It has a static start, a section in the middle relying on false, manufactured drama, and it can be “on the nose” at times. Just below that it reads "Ticket Confirmation#:" followed by a 10-digit number. | Top Critics (8) Akira Kurosawa's "Hachi-gatsu no kyôshikyoku" "Three generations' responses to the atomic bombing of Nagasaki." Drama. Cinemark The grandchildren characters don't seem particularly realistic at first, which is a problem for a contemporary social drama, but they grow more relatable over time. That might possibly be one of the more stupid film-related controversies, though. By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. This sentence seems a bit extreme. These days, people are more interested in Kurosawa than he is in being Kurosawa. This one is conventional in terms of story and style but was nevertheless criticized at the time for serving an anti-American agenda, something which Kurosawa has never been known to do. |, May 15, 2004 He speaks Japanese, is polite and interested, and eventually learns the story of his uncle's death. Absorbing pacifist drama, looks at the links between East and West. There is the twisted jungle gym of a school playground, left the way it looked after the heat of the bomb melted it into a grotesque sculpture. Helpful . In his 70s he gave us late masterpieces like "Ran," but his "Dreams" (1990) was not well-received, and "Rhapsody in August" was considered a disappointment when it premiered at Cannes in May, 1991. July 20, 2012 00:28. Original title: Hachigatsu no kyôshikyoku (Rhapsody in August). A touching heartfelt film by the octogenarian legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. and when the film played at the Tokyo Film Festival, critics of Japanese militarism said Kurosawa had ignored the historical facts leading up to the bomb. Forgot your password? Seeing that twisted playground artifact, I was reminded of another playground, in Kurosawa's great "Ikiru" (1952), which is the story of a dying bureaucrat who devotes all of his waning energies to getting a city playground constructed, and then dies there, sitting on a swing in the snow. Though it stares death straight in the face, it is primarily interested in life. Coming Soon, Regal His film has edge and bite. There is a great eye which opens in the sky in this movie, and which symbolizes, I suppose, the light that flowered in the sky when the bomb dropped on Nagasaki. Akira Kurosawa is in his early 80s now, and there are those who think he is losing his touch, that the vision that made him one of the greatest of directors is fading at last. Indudablemente un trabajo del gran Kurosawa. Rhapsody in August. a problem that i had as an american was that the japanese characters were a little condemning about the US dropping the a-bomb, which they have a right to be, but they never mention the fact that we dropped the bomb because they attacked us first. A great addition to any collector of Kurosawa and a wonderful example of his post-samurai films. The generational gap between her and the children is achingly apparent. A beautiful reminder from octogenarian Akira Kurosawa that he's still the master. Kurosawa’s “Rhapsody in August” completes Goethe and Schubert’s inspirations and makes his film the last part of a unique in history trilogy of humanistic (democratic) culture. He speaks his own Japanese dialogue easily and is at the center of one of Mr. Kurosawa's most breathtaking moments. Directed by. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. WikiProject Japan / Cinema (Rated Start-class, Low-importance) ... "it didn't help that Rhapsody hit American theaters during a particularly severe period of anti-Japanese jingoism in the United States" Ummm, it was released during the nineties right? Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal, No Malice Film Contest Extends its Deadline to May 31st, Amazon’s Them is a Harrowing, Frustrating American Horror Story, In Memory of Roger Ebert: Films About Connection, 12th Annual AAFCA Awards to be Held April 7th. AKFilmFan A pretty good later film of Kurosawa's that is a beautiful but sad story of the gap between generations in relation to war. Be the first one to write a review. The story centers on an elderly hibakusha, who lost her husband in the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki, caring for her four grandchildren over the summer. Report abuse. July 6, 2010 | Full Review… |, April 16, 2018 It is not one of his great films, but shows him thoughtfully trying to come to peace with the central event of his times. It is not one of his great films, but shows him thoughtfully trying to come to … Vincent -- The Life and Death of Vincent van Gogh, Looking for a Lady with Fangs and a Moustache, Best Netflix Shows and Series To Binge (March 2021), The 100 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now (March 2021), 100 Best Movies on Amazon Prime To Watch (March 2021). It's nothing compared with his previous work. Rhapsody in August is a “minor” film from Kurosawa with some problematic areas. With Sachiko Murase, Richard Gere, Hisashi Igawa, Narumi Kayashima. There is little drama in all of this, but Kurosawa still knows how to set out a strong ending. Coming Soon. The use of a Japanese-American character was deliberate. |, February 8, 2012 Read more. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism. The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher. Almost 50 years after the American nuclear attack on Nagasaki during World War II, the horrific incident still shapes the life of Kane (Sachiko Murase), an elderly woman who lost her husband and several siblings in the bombing. Where to Watch. It is as if, at this point in his life, he wants to close this particular set of books - at least as far as his art is concerned. The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review. Hisashi Igawa Tadao, Kane's Son. Rhapsody in August is a solid piece, even with its clunky moralising. |, March 4, 2013 Regal Rhapsody in August was divisive upon its release due to the controversial view that director Akira Kurosawa apparently neglected the Japanese war crimes which influenced the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in the first place. Please enter your email address and we will email you a new password. | Rating: 2.5/4 but it was still great to see the japanese perspective on a horific event in human history. Cast See All. Not long after, her nephew (Richard Gere), the man's son, comes to Japan to visit. Akira Kurosawa. Japan, 1991. Kurosawa's lovely meditation on the nature of American-Japanese relations could not come at a better time. Kurosawa's response was simple: He wanted his film to say that war was between governments, not people. By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future. Carlos Katan Impresionante película, reflexiva, conmovedora y hermosa. The film's central character, Kane, is visited by her grandchildren in Nagasaki; Kane's husband was killed by the bomb. Kurosawa has always been a director of great images, and in his old age he has permitted himself more fanciful, less realistic ones. The story reflects on the economic wars between the United States and Japan and the aftermath of the bombing of Nagasaki, by focusing on three generations of two related families: an American family of pineapple growers in Hawaii and a Japanese family living … | Rating: 2/5. His "Black Rain" (1989, not to be confused with the Michael Douglas thriller) is about the social aftermath of the bomb in Japan, where those suspected of radiation poisoning became less attractive marriage prospects. Learn about some of the new features in our catalog and how to make the most of them. Plain but evocative. Grandchildren are happy because of the prospect of meeting their American relatives for the first time, people who’re rich and positive and ready for passionate friendship. Rhapsody in August Hachigatsu no kyōshikyoku (DVD) : A visit from her grandchildren and the discovery of a half-American relative cause an elderly woman to relive her memories of the atomic bomb that fell on Nagasaki. Though it stares death straight in the face, it is primarily interested in life. | Fresh (9) Directed by Macoto Tezuka. Just leave us a message here and we will work on getting you verified. | Rating: 4/5, January 1, 2000 The imagery, too, is exceptional: the stories under the moonlight, the … on this disc with 19 of them (1-19) while "Rhapsody In August" gets 4 tracks (20-23) and "Madadayo" gets only 1 track (24). Now he is mortally ill, and while the old woman decides whether to answer his call for a last meeting, a reconciliation, he dies. and the Terms and Policies, Kane's nephew, Clark (Richard Gere), travels to Nagasaki to help bring her there, but Kane, who still harbors hostility toward America, is unsure about the trip. Rhapsody in August (1991) January 17, 2021 Wan Kong Yew Leave a comment. Three generations' responses to the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Join us at an upcoming Library Pro Tips event to become a power user. RHAPSODY IN AUGUST is a gentle moving look at the complex relationships that bond many Japanese families. The movie takes place during one summer in the life of a very old woman (Sachiko Murase) whose husband was killed by the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki. ACADEMY AWARDS; GOLDEN GLOBES; BAFTA AWARDS; EMMY AWARDS; SEE ALL; PLATFORMS. |, June 18, 2005 the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima/Nagasaki.Props as in mournful homage.All's well that end's well but what's the utter point for all this?Just for Gere commercial? Coming Soon. this is a film about 4 kids spending the summer with their grandma in nagasaki reliving the events of the atomic bomb in 1945. richard gere appears in this film and was a little miscast. |, January 1, 2000 One person found this helpful. Rhapsody in August is an old man's film in the best possible sense. Gere, as the nephew, is more attentive, and eventually he offers his apologies for the death of his uncle, and the old woman forgives him. This 10-digit number is your confirmation number. Your AMC Ticket Confirmation# can be found in your order confirmation email. The film's central character, Kane, is visited by her grandchildren in Nagasaki; Kane's husband was killed by the bomb. All Critics (15) He is half Japanese, half Caucasian, and around him the subject of her husband's death is discussed only gingerly; perhaps he would not like to be reminded that the bomb was dropped by Americans. For Grandmother Kane (the 86-year-old Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". Rhapsody in August is in fact not all that interested in the atomic bombing itself or the events that led to it, and instead explores the rich and more interesting human element by asking how the bombings have in 45 years affected the society into which they were dropped. Don’t worry, it won’t take long. Please reference “Error Code 2121” when contacting customer service. Rhapsody in August Hachigatsu no kyoshikyoku (DVD) : A visit from her grandchildren and the discovery of a half-American relative cause an elderly woman to relive her memories of … We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your account. Please click the link below to receive your verification email. Not one of Kurosawa's best, bust visually stunning. The image is an example of a ticket confirmation email that AMC sent you when you purchased your ticket. Rhapsody in August is a film directed by Akira Kurosawa and starring Richard Gere, Fumiko Honma, Hisashi Igawa... Español English Svenska Français Português. |, July 6, 2010 All rights reserved. In “Rhapsody in August,” three generations of a Japanese family, with American pedigree now sharing the family tree, respond to and recall the past. RHAPSODY IN AUGUST is an Akira Kurosawa film approached from three different angles, all couched around the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Cinemark Mr. Gere gives a good, self-effacing performance in a role that's a little unreal. Synopsis. They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. RHAPSODY IN AUGUST Hachi-gatsu no kyôshikyoku. Sachiko Murase Kane. Trailer. The grandmother details a massive eye peering out of the bright mushroom cloud on the morning of Aug. 9, her country home situated on the other side of a mountain that separated the countryside and metropolitan Nagasaki — a place far … Rhapsody in Autumn a 1991 Japanese film by Akira Kurosawa. Find trailers, reviews, synopsis, awards and cast information for Rhapsody in August (1991) - Akira Kurosawa on AllMovie - Master filmmaker Akira Kurosawa follows up on his… Publication date 1991-05-25 Usage Public Domain Mark 1.0 Topics Akira Kurosawa Language Japanese ©1991 Shockiku Co., Ltd. Addeddate 2019-06-01 04:34:32 Identifier RhapsodyInAugust_201906 Scanner Internet Archive HTML5 Uploader 1.6.4. plus-circle Add Review. One summer, Kane learns that her older brother is close to death in Hawaii. Along the way there are many funny and sad moments in the movie. Rhapsody in August is an old man's film in the best possible sense. Sign up here. |, July 16, 2003 In his 70s he gave us late masterpieces like " Ran," but his "Dreams" (1990) was not well-received, and "Rhapsody in August" was considered a disappointment when it premiered at Cannes in May, 1991. Directed by Akira Kurosawa. gere being in this film is maybe the only decision kurosawa has ever made that i would question, but this was still a solid film. There is no dialogue; they need no speech for their memories. Richard Gere Clark. Rhapsody In August (1991) Film by Shockiku Co., Ltd. Carlos Katan's rating of the film Rhapsody in August. You're almost there! She learns of a long-lost brother, Suzujiro, living in … and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango. 0 0; AKFilmFan's rating of the film Rhapsody in August. NETFLIX; AMAZON PRIME; HBO; DISNEY+; APPLE TV+; COUNTRY; NETFLIX; GENRES ; NEWS; OSCARS 2021 (NOM.) Rhapsody in August is a film directed by Akira Kurosawa with Richard Gere, Hisashi Igawa, Mitsunori Isaki, Narumi Kayashima, Sachiko Murase .... Year: 1991. Patrick Selitrenny. comment . they make it sound like we dropped the a-bomb because we had nothing better to do that day. Immediately after its premiere more than a year ago at the Cannes Film Festival, Akira Kurosawa's "Rhapsody in August" caused quite a furor, especially among the American contingent. RHAPSODY IN AUGUST is an Akira Kurosawa film approached from three different angles, all couched around the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. a late film for kurosawa made toward the end of his life, its one of my least favorite of his but still a great watch. Sidney Poitier’s 7 Most Memorable Performances, All Harry Potter Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Golden Tomato Awards: Best Movies & TV of 2020. 98. There are no approved quotes yet for this movie. Don't have an account? June 24, 2006 With Richard Gere, Akira Kurosawa, Yôji Yamada. Rhapsody in August … AWARDS. | Rating: 3/5 The young cast isn’t always up to snuff either. "Akira Kurosawa's Rhapsody in Augustis a delicately nuanced film about remembrance -- so delicate, perhaps, that it's not terribly memorable itself. The film was accused of being politically naive, acting as an apologia for the United States having dropped the bomb on Nagasaki. The Kurosawa is more of a sigh, a letting-go, but interesting because of that very quality. Instead of a political work, it is a film about memory, healing process and generational differences. |, December 3, 2016 Available for sale from SHIM Art Network, Joanne Lefrak, Rhapsody in August (2016), Scratched Plexiglas and shadow, 12 × 16 in Well,it isn't the worst Kurosawa,that's a gravity point.It's pathetic nonetheless.Piety and respect to the fruitful generation in spite of the elders' guidance and alternatively,the cycle continues by giving props to the what occurred in a critical epoch of a land e.g. Another veteran Japanese director, Shohei Imamura, has made a recent film about the bomb which is more disciplined and pointed. pretty decent film. Questions about using the new library catalog? Dec. 11, 2002 This CD covers three films, "Dreams", "Rhapsody In August" & "Madadayo". Coming Soon. (She so brilliantly performs her role that my wife thought she was a real grandmother, not an actress.) Even Richard Gere, who seems an odd choice for a Kurosawa film, turns up and is a great presence (though I wonder how good his Japanese is). Just confirm how you got your ticket. I like late-stage Kurosawa. These images and the dialogue about the bomb are counterpointed by the daily lives of the grandchildren, who are rather one-dimensional, chattering creatures, used to show how the younger generation does not much remember or care about the great events of the years before they were born. | Rating: B+ Here, it is the shadow of the bomb that dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your email. Her children and grandchildren have come to visit her, and there are reports from the deathbed of her brother, who immigrated to Hawaii many years before, prospered, and took an American wife and American citizenship. 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