The Written Face (1995)

The Written Face (1995) poster

In Japanese theater, women's roles are traditionally played by men. The man playing the woman's role, the Onnagata, does not imitate the woman, as in the West, but tries to capture her significance. He need not stick close to his model, but draws far more from his own identity - a shift of value takes place, which is nonetheless not a step beyond. THE WRITTEN FACE is an attempt to offer an insight into the Japanese Kabuki star Tamasaburo Bando, one of the last defenders of this ancient and disappearing performing tradition.

Director: Daniel Schmid
Genre: Documentary, TV Movie, Fantasy
Runtime: 89 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Franz Liszt, Giacomo Puccini
Cinematography: Renato Berta
Production: T&C Film Zurich, Eurospace, RSI
Country: Japan, Switzerland
Language: 日本語
Original Language: de

Keywords

female artist, performing arts, portrait of an artist, artistic dance, dance theatre, art documentary

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Written Face about?
In Japanese theater, women's roles are traditionally played by men. The man playing the woman's role, the Onnagata, does not imitate the woman, as in the West, but tries to capture her significance. He need not stick close to his model, but draws far more from his own identity - a shift of value takes place, which is nonetheless not a step beyond. THE WRITTEN FACE is an attempt to offer an insight into the Japanese Kabuki star Tamasaburo Bando, one of the last defenders of this ancient and disappearing performing tradition.
Who directed The Written Face?
The Written Face was directed by Daniel Schmid.
Who stars in The Written Face?
The Written Face stars Tamasaburō Bandō V, Kazuo Ohno, Kai Shishido, Toshiya Nagasawa, Asaji Tsutakiyokomatsu, Han Takehara.
How long is The Written Face?
The Written Face has a runtime of 1h 29m (89 minutes).
What genre is The Written Face?
The Written Face is a Documentary, TV Movie, Fantasy film.
Where was The Written Face produced?
The Written Face was produced in Japan, Switzerland.