Oar (1985)
A powerful Japanese period drama from director Hideo Gosha, tracing one family's bonds, burdens, and survival across early 20th-century Japan.
Oar - Movie Information
- Original Title: 櫂
- Release Year: 1985
- Directed by: Hideo Gosha
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 2h 14m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 15, 1985 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: La proie de l'homme (FR), 櫂 (TW), 桨 (CN), Kai (US), 櫂 (JP)
- Production Companies: Toei Company
- Production Countries: Japan
Oar - Plot
Drama about the difficult relationship between a former wrestler, his wife and their adopted children.
Oar - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of Hideo Gosha's sweeping family drama:
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Oar - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Hideo Gosha
Main Cast
- Ken Ogata
- Yukiyo Toake
- Yūko Natori
- Mariko Ishihara
- Kimie Shingyoji
- Mari Shirato
- Shōgo Shimada
- Mikio Narita
- Hajime Hana
- Tonpei Hidari
Writers
- Kōji Takada
Oar - FAQs
What is Oar (1985) about?
Oar is a Japanese period drama set across the Taisho and early Showa eras, following former wrestler Iwago Tomita, his resilient wife Kiwa, and their adopted children. The film examines the strains of poverty, social expectation, and the complicated bonds of a non-traditional family in early 20th-century Japan.
Who directed Oar and what is his style?
Oar was directed by Hideo Gosha, a celebrated Japanese filmmaker renowned for his intense character studies and vivid period settings. Known primarily for his samurai films, Gosha brought the same unflinching emotional realism to this domestic drama, drawing powerful performances from his ensemble cast.
Where can you stream or watch Oar (1985)?
Streaming availability for Oar (1985) varies by region and platform. You can check current viewing options, including any rental or purchase services, on JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information across multiple providers in your country.
Who are the main actors in Oar?
The film stars Ken Ogata as the former wrestler Iwago Tomita and Yukiyo Toake as his wife Kiwa. The supporting cast includes Yūko Natori, Mariko Ishihara, Kimie Shingyoji, Shōgo Shimada, Mikio Narita, Hajime Hana, and Tonpei Hidari.
Is Oar (1985) based on a true story or novel?
Oar is based on a novel by Sawako Ariyoshi, one of Japan's most prominent female authors. Ariyoshi's original work explored family dynamics and social hardship during the Taisho period, and screenwriter Kōji Takada adapted it faithfully for Hideo Gosha's film production.
What historical period does Oar depict?
Oar is set across Japan's Taisho era and the early decades of the 20th century, spanning roughly the 1910s through the 1930s. This period of social transition forms the backdrop for the family's struggles, reflecting broader tensions between tradition and modernity in Japanese society.
How long is the film Oar (1985)?
Oar has a runtime of 134 minutes, or approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes. The film's generous length allows director Hideo Gosha to develop his characters with depth and trace the family's story across multiple decades of Japanese history.
What language is Oar (1985) in?
Oar is entirely in Japanese, reflecting its origins as a Toei Company production made for Japanese audiences. International viewers will typically watch the film with subtitles. The original Japanese title is 櫂, which translates literally as 'oar' or 'paddle.'
More About Oar
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