Enrai
Enrai or Distant Thunder is a 1981 Japanese film adaptation of Wahei Tatematsu's novel of the same name, directed by Kichitaro Negishi.
Synopsis
Enrai is a low-key study of a farmer, Mitsuo Wada, in 1980s Japan when modernization and urbanization were threatening rural areas. After his father leaves his wife to run off with his mistress, Mitsuo struggles to preserve his livelihood with the help of his mother, grandmother, and his arranged marriage bride, Ayako.Cast
- Toshiyuki Nagashima as Mitsuo Wada
- Johnny Ohkura as Hirotsugu Nakamori
- Eri Ishida as Ayako Hanamori
- Rie Yokoyama as Kaede
- Casey Takamine as Mitsuo's father
- Reiko Nanao as Mitsuo's mother
- Sen Hara as Mitsuo's grandmother
- Yumiko Fujita as Chii
- Keizō Kanie as Kaede's husband
Background
Enrai is based on the 1980 novel of the same name by Wahei Tatematsu. The film, financed by ATG, Nikkatsu, and the smaller Nikkatsu-related company New Century Producers, marked director Negishi's breakthrough into mainstream film after several Pink film#Second wave (The [Nikkatsu Roman Porno era 1971–1982)|Roman porno] features for Nikkatsu. Enrai was released in Japan as a VHS tape by Pioneer LDC in July 1998 and subsequently as a DVD in February 2008 by Geneon Entertainment.Awards and nominations
3rd Yokohama Film Festival Won: Best Director - Kichitaro NegishiWon: Best Screenplay - Haruhiko AraiWon: Best Cinematography - Shohei AndoWon: Best Actor - Toshiyuki Nagashima6th Hochi Film AwardsWon: Best FilmWon: Best Actor - Toshiyuki NagashimaWon: New Face Award - Eri Ishida