Monk's Paradise (1971)
A gleefully irreverent Japanese comedy from Nikkatsu about a Buddhist monk who gambles, womanizes, and breaks every precept in the book.
Monk's Paradise - Movie Information
- Original Title: 極楽坊主
- Release Year: 1971
- Directed by: Kazunari Takeda
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 21m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 31, 1971 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Gokuraku bôzu (JP), Paradise Priest (US)
- Production Companies: Nikkatsu Corporation
- Production Countries: Japan
Monk's Paradise - Plot
A genius gambler and born hunter is a Buddhist monk by occupation. A raunchy comedy about a lecherous monk who, despite serving the solemn Buddha, keeps breaking the precepts one after another.
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Monk's Paradise - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kazunari Takeda
Main Cast
- Joe Shishido
- Gannosuke Ashiya
- Jiro Okazaki
- Kazuyo Sumida
- Rika Fujie
- Tomoko Mayama
- Yūko Tobe
- Keiko Aikawa
- Yasuko Kobayakawa
- Kazuko Mito
Writers
- Ryuzo Nakanishi
Monk's Paradise - FAQs
What is Monk's Paradise about?
Monk's Paradise follows a Buddhist monk who is secretly a genius gambler and an irrepressible womanizer. Despite his sacred duties, he repeatedly breaks religious precepts in hilariously irreverent ways. The film is a raunchy, freewheeling comedy from Nikkatsu that gleefully skewers the gap between piety and human desire.
Is Monk's Paradise a comedy or a drama?
Despite being officially categorized as a drama, Monk's Paradise plays out as a broad, bawdy comedy. It leans heavily into irreverent humor, using its monk protagonist's endless rule-breaking as the engine for comic situations. Think of it as a satirical romp dressed in Buddhist robes.
Who plays the lead role in Monk's Paradise?
Joe Shishido takes the lead, bringing his trademark charisma to the role of the lecherous monk. Shishido was one of Nikkatsu's biggest stars in the 1960s and 70s, known for action and genre films. His casting gives the film an extra layer of irreverent fun.
Where can you watch Monk's Paradise online?
Streaming availability for Monk's Paradise varies by region and platform. As a 1971 Nikkatsu title, it can be tricky to track down. Your best bet is to check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your area, including any rental or purchase links.
Who directed Monk's Paradise and what else did they make?
Kazunari Takeda directed Monk's Paradise. He worked within Nikkatsu's prolific genre output during the early 1970s, a studio era famous for pushing boundaries with provocative, entertaining films. Monk's Paradise reflects that spirit of irreverence and commercial genre filmmaking that defined the studio's output.
Is Monk's Paradise based on a true story or source material?
Monk's Paradise appears to be an original screenplay written by Ryuzo Nakanishi rather than an adaptation of a specific true story or novel. Nakanishi was a prolific Japanese screenwriter, and the film's premise feels very much like a crafted comic scenario designed to entertain Nikkatsu's genre-hungry audience.
How long is Monk's Paradise?
Monk's Paradise runs a lean 81 minutes. That compact runtime keeps the comedy brisk and the pacing tight, which suits the film's freewheeling, episodic style perfectly. It never overstays its welcome.
What are some films similar to Monk's Paradise?
If Monk's Paradise appeals to you, Double Suicide (1969) and Memories of Matsuko (2006) offer similarly unconventional Japanese storytelling. For irreverent comedies with a cult edge, Glory to the Filmmaker! (2007) and Cosi (1996) share that spirit of gleeful rule-breaking and offbeat character studies.
More About Monk's Paradise
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