UNAGI

Shôhei IMAMURA

1997
In Competition
Feature Films

Palme d'or (Ex-aequo) 1997

Takuro Yamashita, paroled after eight years in prison for killing his wife, starts a new life as barber in a small town outside of Tokyo. His closest companion remains his pet eel, which has kept him company throughout his days behind bars. Freed from confinement, Takiro gradually begins to open up, becoming friendly with the locals who frequent his shop. But his life changes abruptly when he saves Keiko, a young woman he happens upon trying to commit suicide by the river. Keiko also trying to heal mental wounds, eventually starts to work at Takuro’s shop. They both begin to feel a growing attraction for one another. However, incidents occur, pulling them back to their pasts…

Directed by : Shôhei IMAMURA
Country: Japan
Duration: 117 minutes