Kwaidan (1965)
Original title: 怪談
Kwaidan is a 1965 Japanese-language horror movie directed by Masaki Kobayashi, with a running time of 3h 3m. It stars Michiyo Aratama, Rentaro Mikuni and Misako Watanabe.
Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story," this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior's reflection in his teacup.
Quick answers
What is Kwaidan about?
Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story," this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior's reflection in his teacup.
When was Kwaidan released?
Kwaidan was released on 6 January 1965.
How long is Kwaidan?
Kwaidan runs 3h 3m.
Who made Kwaidan?
Kwaidan was directed by Masaki Kobayashi.
Where can I watch Kwaidan?
Kwaidan is available on Criterion Channel, HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Where to watch Kwaidan
Stream: Criterion Channel, HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV
Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Cast
- Michiyo Aratama as First Wife (segment "The Black Hair")
- Rentaro Mikuni as Husband (segment "The Black Hair")
- Misako Watanabe as Second Wife (segment "The Black Hair")
- Kenjirō Ishiyama as Father (segment "The Black Hair")
- Ranko Akagi as Mother (segment "The Black Hair")
- Fumie Kitahara as (segment "The Black Hair")
- Kappei Matsumoto as (segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
- Yoshiko Ieda as (segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
- Otome Tsukimiya as (segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
- Kenzō Tanaka as (segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
- Kiyoshi Nakano as (segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
- Tatsuya Nakadai as Minokichi (segment "The Woman of the Snow")