The Day the Sun Rose (1968)
A monumental Japanese historical epic in which one man's dream of cultural revival becomes a beacon of hope amid the chaos of civil war.
The Day the Sun Rose - Movie Information
- Original Title: 祇園祭
- Release Year: 1968
- Directed by: Tetsuya Yamanouchi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 2h 48m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 23, 1968 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: O Momento da Revolta (BR), Los guerreros del sol (AR), Gion matsuri (JP)
- Production Companies: Nippon Eiga Fukko Kyokai
- Production Countries: Japan
The Day the Sun Rose - Plot
Shinkichi, a peasant employed as a cloth-dyer, has a dream: in the midst of the civil war which ravages Japan, he hopes to revive the long-banned custom of the Kyoto Gion Festival, and by doing so, bring together the warring clans and rampaging brigands in peaceful celebration.
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The Day the Sun Rose - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tetsuya Yamanouchi
Main Cast
- Kinnosuke Nakamura
- Toshirō Mifune
- Shima Iwashita
- Takahiro Tamura
- Eitarō Ozawa
- Kunie Tanaka
- Tomo'o Nagai
- Orie Satō
- Hisako Takihana
- Kamatari Fujiwara
Writers
- Kunio Shimizu
- Naoyuki Suzuki
The Day the Sun Rose - FAQs
What is The Day the Sun Rose about?
The Day the Sun Rose follows Shinkichi, a peasant cloth-dyer who dreams of restoring the long-suppressed Kyoto Gion Festival during Japan's turbulent civil war era. His mission becomes a symbol of unity, seeking to bring together feuding clans and roving brigands through the power of shared cultural celebration.
Who are the main actors in The Day the Sun Rose?
The film stars Kinnosuke Nakamura as the idealistic peasant Shinkichi and Toshirō Mifune as the formidable Kumaza. The cast also includes Shima Iwashita as Ayame, Takahiro Tamura, Eitarō Ozawa, Kunie Tanaka, Kamatari Fujiwara, and veteran actor Takashi Shimura in a supporting role.
Is The Day the Sun Rose based on a true story?
The film is based on a novel and draws on the historical reality of the Kyoto Gion Festival, one of Japan's most celebrated traditions. While the central characters are fictional, the backdrop of civil war and the festival's cultural significance are rooted in genuine Japanese history and heritage.
Who directed The Day the Sun Rose?
The Day the Sun Rose was directed by Tetsuya Yamanouchi. The 1968 production was a large-scale collaborative effort backed by Nippon Eiga Fukko Kyokai, with a screenplay by Kunio Shimizu and Naoyuki Suzuki, and cinematography by Shintarō Kawasaki.
Where can I watch The Day the Sun Rose?
Streaming and viewing availability for The Day the Sun Rose varies by region. As a 1968 Japanese historical drama, it may be available through specialty platforms or physical media. You can check the most current streaming options and rental availability for your region on JustWatch.
How long is The Day the Sun Rose?
The Day the Sun Rose has a runtime of 2 hours and 48 minutes (168 minutes). Its substantial length reflects the film's epic scope, allowing ample space to develop its large ensemble cast and explore the sweeping historical and cultural drama at the heart of the story.
What language is The Day the Sun Rose in?
The Day the Sun Rose is a Japanese-language film. It was produced in Japan by Nippon Eiga Fukko Kyokai and released in November 1968. The film is also known internationally under alternative titles including Gion matsuri (Japan), O Momento da Revolta (Brazil), and Los guerreros del sol (Argentina).
What are movies similar to The Day the Sun Rose?
If you enjoyed The Day the Sun Rose, you may also appreciate other historically rich dramas such as Topaz (1969) and Pochodně (1961). Fans of sweeping ensemble storytelling might also explore The Tree of Wooden Clogs (1978) and The World of Apu (1959) for similarly immersive period-set narratives.
More About The Day the Sun Rose
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