Why Not? (1981) | Streaming Guide & Showtimes
Why Not? (1981) — The film depicts carnivalesque atmosphere summed up by the cry "Ei ja nai ka" ("Why Streaming on Criterion Channel.
Why Not? (1981) Storyline
The film depicts carnivalesque atmosphere summed up by the cry "Ei ja nai ka" ("Why not?") in Japan in 1867 and 1868 in the days leading to the Meiji Restoration. It examines the effects of the political and social upheaval of the time, and culminates in a revelrous march on the Tokyo Imperial Palace, which turns into a massacre. Characteristically, Imamura focuses not on the leaders of the country, but on characters in the lower classes and on the fringes of society.
Full Cast & Crew
- Shigeru Izumiya as Genji
- Kaori Momoi as Ine
- Masao Kusakari as Itoman
- Ken Ogata as Furukawa
- Norihei Miki as Masuya
- Junzaburō Ban as Toramatsu
- Mitsuko Baisho as Oko
- Shigeru Tsuyuguchi as Kinzo
- Ако as Oyoshi
- Shōhei Hino as Magoshichi
- Shino Ikenami as Yoshino
- Etsuko Ikuta as Nui
- Hiroshi Inuzuka as Roku
- Chōichirō Kawarasaki as Nakazawa
- Kazuo Kitamura as Koide
Why Watch Why Not??
The Vibe: Why Not? is a emotionally complex and thought-provoking drama movie that firmly establishes itself as a must-watch from 1981. The pacing and atmosphere are perfectly calibrated to keep you engaged from start to finish.
Fan Reception: While holding a polarized score of 6.1/10, it retains a dedicated audience who appreciate its specific stylistic choices and unique premise.
Who Should Watch It: Highly recommended for viewers who appreciate deep character studies and powerful performances. If you enjoy character-driven arcs layered with drama-specific tropes, this deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Movie Details & Production
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