The Long Darkness

The Long Darkness is a 1972 Japanese drama film directed by Kei Kumai. The film is about a young couple who get together despite the tragedy that befalls their lives. The film received several year end awards from Kinema Junpo and the Mainichi Film Awards.

Cast

Komaki Kurihara as Shino
Go Kato as Tetsuro
Yasushi Nagata as Tetsuro's father
Kaneko Iwasaki as Kayo - short-sighted sister
Kinzō Shin as Shino's father
Hisako Takihana as Tetsuro's mother
Yûsuke Takita as Yukifusa Kimura
Hisashi Igawa as Tetsuro's elder brother
Yasushi Kachi as Fumiya
Karin Yamaguchi as Aya
Kin Sugai as Wellwisher on train
Toshie Kimura as Okami

Release

The Long Darkness was released theatrically in Japan on 25 May 1972 where it was distributed by Toho. The film saw theatrical release in the United States by Toho International with English subtitles in July 1973. It was entered into the 8th Moscow International Film Festival.

Reception

In Japan, Kinema Junpo awarded The Long Darkness with the awards for Best Film, Best Director and Co-Best Screenplay for the year. At the Mainichi Film Award the film won awards for Best Film, Best Actress, Best Film Score and Best Sound Recording.