The Ballad of Narayama (1983)

Nestled in the heartland of 19th century Japan, there exists a humble rural village, its inhabitants ruled by an age-old decree: once a villager reaches the ripe age of 70, they must undertake a sacred journey to the summit of a nearby mountain to embrace their final rest. This solemn tradition is not merely a personal choice, but a matter of honor, one that could disgrace a family if refused. Enter Orin, a woman of indomitable spirit, standing on the precipice of this fateful age. With her 70th winter looming, she is faced not only with the prospect of her impending journey to the mountain, but also a personal mission. Her eldest son, Tatsuhei, remains unwed—a concern that weighs heavily on Orin's aging heart. In "The Ballad of Narayama," we traverse through Orin's final days, witnessing the intricate tapestry of familial love, duty, and tradition. The impending deadline of her journey casts a profound shadow over her last endeavors, her struggle to secure her son's future in the face of her own mortality becoming an arduous race against time. From the tranquility of their village life to the daunting climb up the mountain, the film weaves an poignant tale of sacrifice and endurance, exploring the profound intersections of life, death and honor in a society bound by its ancestral customs.

The Ballad of Narayama is a drama movie featuring Ken Ogata.

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