The Insect Woman
Directed by Shohei Imamura • 1963 • Japan
Starring Sachiko Hidari
Born in a rural farming village in 1918, Tomé survives decades of Japanese social upheaval, as well as abuse and servitude at the hands of various men. Yet Shohei Imamura, ever the cinematic “entomologist,” refuses to make a victim of her, instead observing Tomé (played by the extraordinary Sachiko Hidari) as a fascinating, pragmatic creature of twentieth-century Japan. A portrait of opportunism and resilience in three generations of women, THE INSECT WOMAN is Imamura’s most expansive film, and Tomé his ultimate heroine.
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The Insect Woman
Directed by Shohei Imamura • 1963 • Japan
Starring Sachiko HidariBorn in a rural farming village in 1918, Tomé survives decades of Japanese social upheaval, as well as abuse and servitude at the hands of various men. Yet Shohei Imamura, ever the cinematic “entomologist,” refuses to make a victi...
Extras
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Shohei Imamura on THE INSECT WOMAN
This twenty-one minute interview with Shohei Imamura was conducted by film critic Tadao Sato.
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Tony Rayns on THE INSECT WOMAN
This interview with film critic Tony Rayns was conducted in December 2008.