The 1995 film, Sharaku, starring Hiroyuki Sanada is a fictionalized retelling of the ten month period in which the famous ukiyo-e print designer, Tōshūsai Sharaku, about whom very little is known was active. Watching this film inspired me to learn more about Japanese history and art, in particular ukiyo-e and Noh. The cinematography was absolutely beautiful, and very nearly like a painting itself in many respects. Though the story can sometimes feel a little choppy/episodic, I found it fascinating and engaging. The acting was great, and despite the bleakness of the ending, I find myself watching multiple times.
Thank you to everyone responsible for this film, for your creativity, hard work, and efforts that gave me inspiration to learn more Japanese history. Thank you also to Mr. Sanada as the kernel of that inspiration.
The song is “Everlasting Harmony” from the B-side of the single “Serious Night” performed by Sanada Hiroyuki (1985).
Hiroyuki Sanada as Tonbo
Frankie Sakai as Tsutaya
Shima Iwashita as Troupe Leader
Tsurutarō Kataoka as Goro
Shirō Sano as Utamaro
Riona Hazuki as Hanasato
Toshiya Nagasawa as Tetsuzo (the future Hokusai)
Yasosuke Bando as Matsudaira Sadanobu
Nakamura Tomijyuro V as Gosei
Haruko Kato as Ofuji
Masumi Miyazaki as Gohi
Choichiro Kawarazaki as Santo Kyoden
Naomasa Musaka as Manager Yohei