The Burmese Harp (1956)
Kon Ichikawa's landmark antiwar film follows a Japanese soldier's spiritual transformation into a Buddhist monk amid Burma's devastated postwar landscape.
The Burmese Harp - Movie Information
- Original Title: ビルマの竪琴
- Release Year: 1956
- Directed by: Kon Ichikawa
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, War
- Runtime: 1h 57m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese, Burmese, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 21, 1956 (Japan), April 26, 1957 (France), February 23, 1958 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: ビルマの竪琴 総集篇 (JP), ဗမာ့စောင်း (MM), The Burmese Harp (US), Die Harfe von Burma (DE), La harpe de Birmanie (FR), 버마의 하프 (KR), L'arpa birmana (IT), 缅甸竖琴 (CN)
- Production Companies: Nikkatsu Corporation
- Production Countries: Japan
The Burmese Harp - Plot
In Burma during the closing days of WWII, a Japanese soldier separated from his unit disguises himself as a Buddhist monk to escape imprisonment as a POW.
The Burmese Harp - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a sense of this timeless antiwar classic:
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The Burmese Harp - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kon Ichikawa
Main Cast
- Rentaro Mikuni
- Shōji Yasui
- Jun Hamamura
- Taketoshi Naitō
- Shunji Kasuga
- Kō Nishimura
- Keishichi Nakahara
- Toshiaki Itō
- Hiroshi Tsuchikata
- Tomio Aoki
Writers
- Natto Wada
Producers
- Masayuki Takaki
The Burmese Harp - FAQs
What is The Burmese Harp about?
The Burmese Harp follows a Japanese soldier named Mizushima who, separated from his unit in Burma at the end of WWII, disguises himself as a Buddhist monk. Haunted by the countless unburied dead, he chooses to remain in Burma and dedicate his life to honoring the fallen rather than return home.
Why does Mizushima refuse to return to Japan?
Mizushima is overwhelmed by the sheer number of Japanese soldiers left unburied across Burma. He feels a profound spiritual calling to stay and give them a proper burial, embracing Buddhist monkhood as his true path. His transformation reflects a deeply personal moral reckoning with the cost of war.
Where can I stream The Burmese Harp?
You can watch The Burmese Harp on the Criterion Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. If you're looking for a free option, Darkroom currently offers it at no charge.
Is The Burmese Harp based on a true story?
The film is based on Michio Takeyama's 1946 novel of the same name, which was itself inspired by real accounts of Japanese soldiers in Burma after the war's end. While Mizushima is a fictional character, the story draws on genuine historical circumstances surrounding Japan's defeat in the Burma campaign.
Who are the main actors in The Burmese Harp?
The film stars Rentaro Mikuni as Captain Inouye and Shōji Yasui in the central role of Mizushima, the soldier-turned-monk. The supporting cast includes Jun Hamamura, Taketoshi Naitō, and Kō Nishimura, all delivering quietly powerful performances that anchor the film's emotional weight.
Did The Burmese Harp receive any major awards?
The Burmese Harp earned Japan's nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 1957 ceremony, bringing Kon Ichikawa to international attention. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest Japanese antiwar films ever made and remains a cornerstone of world cinema.
What role does music play in the film?
Music is central to The Burmese Harp. Mizushima plays the Burmese harp, and song becomes a bridge between the Japanese soldiers and their humanity. A pivotal scene where both Japanese and British troops sing the same melody across enemy lines captures the film's belief in music as a universal language of peace.
Is The Burmese Harp worth watching today?
Absolutely. Kon Ichikawa's film holds up as one of cinema's most moving antiwar statements. Its quiet spirituality, stunning black-and-white cinematography by Minoru Yokoyama, and Shōji Yasui's unforgettable performance make it essential viewing. Critics and scholars consistently rank it among the finest Japanese films of the postwar era.
More About The Burmese Harp
Explore further details about the film on these authoritative resources.