At Noon (1978)
A spare, contemplative Japanese drama about homecoming, rootlessness, and the quiet erosion of rural community.
At Noon - Movie Information
- Original Title: 正午なり
- Release Year: 1978
- Directed by: Kōichi Gotō
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 29, 1978 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Mahiru nari (JP)
- Production Companies: Ningen Production, Art Theatre Guild
- Production Countries: Japan
At Noon - Plot
Tadao decides to comes back from Tokyo to live in his home town, in the countryside. He stays at his parents place and finds a job, repairing transistor and television. He catches up with his friend Tetsuji, the only that haven't left yet. But one night, Tetsuji decides to leave for Tokyo with a bar hostess.
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At Noon - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kōichi Gotō
Main Cast
- Kenichi Kaneda
- Koji Tamura
- Shinobu Yuki
- Satomi Tezuka
- Ai Wakasugi
- Toshiko Tsuyama
- Gorō Tarumi
- Moeko Ezawa
- Kōjirō Kusanagi
- Hiroyuki Nagato
Writers
- Hōsuke Fukuchi
At Noon - FAQs
What is At Noon (1978) about?
At Noon follows Tadao, a young man who leaves Tokyo to return to his quiet rural hometown. He settles back with his parents, takes up work repairing electronics, and reconnects with his friend Tetsuji — the last person still rooted in the village — before Tetsuji, too, decides to leave.
Where can I watch At Noon (1978)?
Streaming availability for At Noon (1978) varies by region. You can check current viewing options — including any rental, purchase, or subscription platforms carrying the film — on JustWatch, which tracks up-to-date availability across multiple services in your country.
Who directed At Noon and when was it released?
At Noon was directed by Kōichi Gotō and released in Japan on December 29, 1978. It was produced by Ningen Production in association with Art Theatre Guild, a distributor closely associated with Japanese independent and avant-garde cinema of the era.
Who are the main actors in At Noon?
The film stars Kenichi Kaneda as the returning protagonist Tadao and Koji Tamura as his friend Tetsuji. The supporting cast includes Shinobu Yuki, Satomi Tezuka, Ai Wakasugi, Toshiko Tsuyama, Gorō Tarumi, Moeko Ezawa, Kōjirō Kusanagi, and Hiroyuki Nagato.
What genre is At Noon (1978)?
At Noon is a drama. It belongs to the tradition of quiet, observational Japanese cinema, focusing on everyday life, interpersonal relationships, and the social phenomenon of rural depopulation that was a defining concern in late-1970s Japan.
How long is the film At Noon?
At Noon has a runtime of 103 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes. The film's measured pace reflects its contemplative, slice-of-life approach to storytelling, allowing the rhythms of provincial life to unfold without dramatic urgency.
Is At Noon based on a true story?
At Noon does not appear to be based on a specific true story or documented real-life events. The screenplay was written by Hōsuke Fukuchi, and the film draws its power from the social reality of rural-to-urban migration in Japan rather than from any particular biographical source.
What are some movies similar to At Noon?
If you enjoyed At Noon, you might explore other films dealing with displacement, provincial life, and quiet human drama. Related titles suggested include Dangan Runner (1996), Fate (2003), Journey Across the Mainland (1988), and She (2020), among others.
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