The Discarnates
The Discarnates is a 1988 Japanese fantasy drama mystery film directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi from a screenplay by Shin'ichi Ichikawa, based on the novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada.
Produced and distributed by Shochiku, the film was released in Japan on September 15, 1988. It was screened at the 16th Moscow International Film Festival where it competed for the Golden St. George but lost to Maurizio Nichetti's The Icicle Thief.
Plot
Hideo Harada is a TV drama writer who lives alone in an apartment after his divorce from his wife. While researching places for his written teleplay, he quickly realizes that he is in Asakusa, his childhood hometown. When he enters a theater, he notices a familiar man, only to find out that it is his long-deceased father, Hidekichi. Hidekichi invites his son to his home where he lives with his wife Fusako.Cast
- Morio Kazama as Hideo Harada: A TV drama writer who lives alone in his apartment after he divorced Ayako.
- Tsurutarô Kataoka as Hidekichi Harada: Hideo's father and Fusako's husband. He and his wife were killed in a car accident when their son was 12.
- Kumiko Akiyoshi as Fusako Harada: Hideo's mother and Hidekichi's wife.
- Yûko Natori as Kei Fujino: Hideo's neighbor from upstairs.
- Toshiyuki Nagashima as Ichiro Mamiya: Hideo's co-worker at the TV station.
Awards
13th Hochi Film Award
- Won: Best Supporting Actor - Tsurutarō Kataoka
- Nominated: Golden St. George
- Won: Best Supporting Actor - Tsurutarō Kataoka
- 4th Best Film